Dean Michaels

The Philadelphia Eagles took Southern Cal quarterback Matt Barkley with the first pick of the fourth round or 98th overall, three rounds later than the signal-caller hoped for.

The Eagles traded with the Jacksonville Jaguars to get the pick and leapfrog the Kansas City Chiefs for Barkley. The Jaguars received No. 101 selection, which it later used for 5-7 South Carolina receiver Tracy "Ace" Sanders, and a 7th round pick or No. 201 overall in return.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs used the second pick in the fourth round to draft Alabama linebacker Nico Johnson.

Barkley was a four-year starter for the Trojans and played in a pro-style offense throughout his career, which should prepare him well for the next level.

However, there were concerns about his perceived lack of arm strength and ability to handle the blitz consistently.

He was projected as a first-round selection last year, but opted to return to school. He and the Trojans slumped, Barkley injured his shoulder, and his stock plummeted.

"We're going to take the best value on the board," coach Chip Kelly said, adding the Eagles rated Barkley in the top 50.

"He's an extremely mature young man, intelligent, articulate. He has that 'it' factor."

"I try not to get stressed about things I can't control," Barkley said when asked about his drop in the draft. "I'm just glad I know where my home is and I can't wait to hit the playbook."

Barkley will join quarterbacks Michael Vick and Nick Foles in Philadelphia.

Based on the NFL rookie wage scale, Barkley's slot dictates a contract in the range of $2.5 million for four years with a $500,000 signing bonus, a far cry from the $10 million and more guaranteed to the draft's top-10 picks in recent years.

Ryan Nassib of Syracuse, Landry Jones of Oklahoma and Tyler Wilson of Arkansas were the other quarterbacks chosen in Round Four.

 

Eagles Leapfrog Chiefs to Select Matt Barkley in Fourth-Round of NFL Draft