Chip Kelly: Eagles' top pick Marcus Smith needs to produce
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly said the team needs more from rookie linebacker Marcus Smith than he has shown during the first two preseason games, the Philadelphia Daily News' Paul Domowitch reports.
Smith, the No. 26 pick in the 2014 NFL draft out of Louisville, has not recorded a sack during the first two preseason games. He leads the team with 119 preseason snaps.
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"Marcus got a real extended look," Chip Kelly said. "He's got a burst. He's got some speed coming off the edge. But if you're going to play that many plays, we're going to need more production out of you. He's still working at it. He still has a lot of things to improve at."
Eagles linebacker DeMeco Ryans said Smith will play better once he adjusts to the speed of the professional game.
"Marcus has all the ability, size and talent in the world. The game just has to slow down for him. We run a lot of different calls on defense. He has a lot on his plate right now. It's tough for any rookie. He'll become a good player once the game slows down for him."
Philadelphia ranked No. 20 in the NFL last season with 38 sacks. Smith had 14.5 sacks last season as a senior at Louisville.
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