After fans spent the opening the opening few weeks crying out for The Philadelphia Eagles to sign an Offensive Lineman, Chip Kelly finally granted a widespread wish. Earlier today the birds signed Tanner Hawkinson who has spent the last few months on the San Fransisco practice squad.
Unfortunately though, every action has a reaction and for the Eagles to make space for the fifth round pick from the 2013 NFL draft, the Eagles once again released backup Center Julian Vandervelde..the seventh time he has been released.
Hawkinson was originally drafted by the Bengals two years ago and was only made active for four games over two seasons with just one being in his rookie year. The 25 year old then signed with the Niners practice squad in August before the Eagles made him lineman number seven. At 6 foot 5 and 300 pounds, he is certainly a big body that a very thin Offensive Line could use right now. Perhaps his most interesting statistic, Hawkinson has 33 3/8-inch arms….
He has previously been compared to Eric Steinbach when talking about his ability sustain a block and create space. After a solid pre-season opener last year, Hawkinson suffered an ankle injury and with it..a huge setback to earning a 53 man roster spot. With both Jason Peters and Lane Johnson enduring an injury last week and still playing in week 5, the added depth will receive no negativity from us!
