Philadelphia Eagles reportedly release 2011 first-round pick Danny Watkins

Danny Watkins was the 23rd overall pick in the 2011 draft, but started just 18 games over the past two seasons. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images) The

Danny Watkins was the 23rd overall pick in the 2011 draft, but started just 18 games over the past two seasons. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Eagles have released offensive guard Danny Watkins, their 23rd pick in the first-round of the 2011 NFL Draft, according to multiple reports.

Watkins played in just 23 games for the Eagles over the past two seasons, making 18 starts at right guard.

After starting 12 games as a rookie, he was benched midway through last season.

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport first reported the news on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/373859137366421504

Watkins, a holdover from the Andy Reid regime, struggled to make the adjustments to Chip Kelly's new offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland's system.

He drew attention during the 2011 draft for his back story as a Canadian former firefighter played two seasons at Baylor before being selected at 26 years old -- the oldest first-round pick since 1980.

From CSNPhilly.com's Reuben Frank:

It was hoped that the switch from Howard Mudd to Jeff Stoutland might help revive Watkins’ career, but Watkins was never able to make any sort of push for a roster spot in his third NFL training camp.

...

Nobody has ever questioned Watkins’ size and strength, but he never seemed to embrace the game of football, which he didn’t play until he was 22 years old.

Watkins is due $1,096,450 in base salary this year, and that base salary is guaranteed, so the Eagles will have to pay Watkins $64,497 per week. His $1,357,175 base salary in 2014 is not guaranteed.

Among the other cut-day causalities around the NFL were high-profile backup quarterbacks Tim Tebow (Patriots) and Vince Young (Packers).

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