Darren Sproles Gives Chip Kelly Another Weapon

Darren Sproles represents another offensive weapon at Chip Kelly's disposal after the Eagles dealt away a fifth-round draft choice to the New Orleans Saints to acquire him. 

Chip Kelly loves offensive weapons maybe above all else, and after trading for New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles, the second-year head coach adds yet another to his arsenal. 

As Kelly continues to build his offense at the NFL level, it's evident that speed isn't just an asset for skill positions on that side of the ball, it's basically a requirement. 

Last season Sproles caught 71 passes for 604 yards and two touchdowns, which would have placed him squarely at number-two in receptions for the Eagles had he been on the roster in 2013. 

That statistic alone should give a solid hint of exactly how Kelly plans on employing Sproles in his high octane offense. 

Since 2011, Sproles and Eagles running back LeSean McCoy were the only running backs in the NFL to have at least 150 catches and eight receiving touchdowns.

In 2013 Sproles spent 39.1 percent of his snaps on the field either in a split-back set or as a slot receiver, so he'll get plenty of opportunities to not only catch the ball in Kelly's backfield, but also his addition will create space for everyone on the field.

It also wouldn't be surprising to see Sproles chip into McCoy's touches next season as Kelly clearly prefers straight-ahead downhill runners, but giving the league's leading rusher a blow from time to time may be just what the doctor ordered. 

McCoy carried the ball a career high 314 times and also had 52 catches, but because he seemed to get stronger as the game wore on, keeping him even fresher in the game's latter stages will only benefit both McCoy and the Eagles offense. 

However, adding Sproles also provides depth to a special teams unit that left plenty to be desired in 2013. 

Sproles averaged six yards per punt return and also provides a significant upgrade in the kick return game. He averaged 8.3 yards per punt return, with one return for a touchdown, and 26.1 yards per kickoff return with the Saints.

Versatility has been a priority for Kelly since his days as an assistant at New Hampshire and Sproles is as versatile as they come. 

He's also yet another explosive weapon accumulated by Kelly on an offense that just may launch higher than the second-ranked status it achieved in 2013.