August 09, 2015
Alan Diaz/AP
Eagles UDFA OL Malcolm Bunche once crossed paths with Eagles OL coach Jeff Stoutland at the University of Miami.
The Eagles' interior offensive line of Evan Mathis, Jason Kelce, and Todd Herremans was very good in Chip Kelly's first two years as head coach of the team. They won their battles up front with technique and quickness, and helped pave the way for LeSean McCoy to win a rushing title in 2013. They did a great job blocking linebackers and safeties at the second level, and were often tremendous getting out in front of screens and blocking downfield.
However, one thing the interior of the Eagles offensive line has lacked is a guy who can move defensive linemen off the ball against their own will. In his press conference Saturday morning, Kelly pointed to undrafted free agent Malcolm Bunche as someone who can move people.
"Real good, young prospect in the O‑line," said Kelly. "He's big. He's physical. I think with those younger guys, and I think what Stout [offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland] is doing is moving [Bunche] around a little bit. He is playing both tackle and guard, which adds to his versatility. But he can move people. He's a big, physical, strong run-blocking guy. But he does have a good base and knowledge in the pass game. So he's a guy to keep an eye on."
Bunche, having no knowledge that Kelly talked about him, gave a me a self scouting report that was the essentially the same as Kelly's. "Big, physical, light on my feet, good in run blocking, need to be better in pass protection," said Bunche.
During the pre-draft process, the Eagles took a close look at a number of road-grading interior offensive linemen who fit the same mold as Bunche. For example, they reportedly brought in the following offensive linemen for a visit: La'el Collins of LSU, Donovan Smith of Penn State, Jeremiah Poutasi of Utah, and Terry Poole of San Diego State. All of those players are known more for their run blocking than their abilities as pass protectors. They also showed interest in guys like T.J. Clemmings of Pitt, Darryl Williams of Oklahoma, and Louisville's John Miller, who all also qualify as players known for their ability to move defensive linemen off the line of scrimmage.
Bunche and Stoutland were together at the University of Miami for a short period, so there was familiarity between them, but ultimately it was Bunche's Eagles fandom that drew him here. According to Dave Weinberg of the Atlantic City Press, Bunche was pursued by several teams.
“I heard from a lot of teams after the draft. Denver, Miami, Green Bay and others called me. But I wanted to come to the Eagles. I’m from Newark (Delaware), and my dad (Curtis) was drafted by the Eagles (in the seventh round in 1979). This is my hometown team. Nothing against those other teams, but this is home for me.”
Sooooo, on Chip Kelly's orders... Keep an eye on Bunche, I guess.
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