'I Get Flashbacks!' Eagles Dennis Kelly Delivers Depth on O-Line

Philadelphia Eagles tackle Dennis Kelly was drafted in the fifth round and was traded away after three seasons, but he brings experience after signing before camp opened

PHILADELPHIA – The right guard competition looks like much ado about nothing, with Cam Jurgens getting all the first-team reps at that spot and appears on track to be the starter when the Philadelphia Eagles open the season on Sept. 10 at the New England Patriots.

There is, however, a developing situation on the offensive line and that is the competition to be the top swing tackle behind Jordan Mailata on the left and Lane Johnson on the right.

Jack Driscoll started the last two games for Johnson last season when Johnson was battling through an adductor tear in his groin. He has received his share of second-team reps there during training camp.

The Eagles added a new entry to the reserve tackle competition right before training camp, signing 12-year veteran Dennis Kelly, who was originally drafted by the Eagles in the fifth round back in 2012.

“It’s a little different,” said Kelly of his return. “Obviously, the building’s the same and there are still a lot of familiar faces, but it’s still very, very different. There have been some updates, some renovations, and the new staff here, but there’s definitely ... still, I kind of get flashbacks. It’s been fun going back down memory road.”

Kelly played 30 games, with 15 starts in three seasons with the Eagles before being traded to the Tennessee Titans for receiver Dorial Green-Beckham, who was a bust and was out of the league after one year in Philly.

Kelly went on to play 74 games with 32 starts over five years with the Titans but has spent the last two years with two different teams – the Green Bay Packers and, last season, the Indianapolis Colts. He made a combined seven starts with those two teams.

“I always knew I could play in this league if I was able to get into a good spot and show what I could do,” he said. “I was able to block for a 2,000-yard rusher (Derrick Henry in Tennessee), which a lot of people don’t get to say. Obviously, I’m very proud of my career and glad to come back and show what I’ve learned and what I can do.”

Driscoll can fill in at guard while Kelly can also play there in a pinch, though he said he played maybe five games at that position after he left the Eagles.

That kind of versatility will likely allow both players to make the 53-man roster, though that still must sort itself out.

“We know what kind of person he is,” said general manager Howie Roseman. “We know what kind of work ethic he has, and we know what kind of player he is, just by watching his tape.

“Obviously, we followed his career for a long time starting in college at Purdue. We're always looking for offensive line depth. We're always looking for guys that can come in and have versatility and play a bunch of positions. For us it just made a lot of sense to bring him back, and excited that he's here.”

So are some of Kelly’s teammates who are still here after being with him during his first stint, players such as Johnson and Jason Kelce.

“It feels like it’s 2013 again,” said Johnson. “Dennis is such a great dude. I remember when I came in and obviously some things changed, but he was always there helping me, guiding me as a player, and off the field a great dude.

“He’s had great success in Tennessee, he had success in Green Bay. You don’t play this long unless you have a lot of ability and what you can offer to a team. Glad to have him back.”

Added Kelce: “Dennis is awesome. He was a fan favorite in the locker room before he left. One of those guys that people have still kept in touch with.

“I think he's proven to be a very valuable player and I think he can play multiple positions. Really smart. He's a great for-the-room-type guy. Everybody loves him. So, we're certainly excited to have Dennis back in the building."

Ed Kracz covers the Philadelphia Eagles for SI's EaglesToday.

Please follow him and our Eagles coverage on Twitter at @kracze.

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