Chip Kelly The GM’s Five Best Moves
By Tim Kelly
Aug 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Walter Thurmond (26) runs with the ball after an interception against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
3. Signing Walter Thurmond and Moving Him to Safety
In some senses, you could water down the genius of this move by saying that Thurmond played for Oregon when Chip Kelly was both the offensive coordinator and the head coach, meaning that Kelly had familiarity with him.
Still, the insight that Kelly had to see Thurmond, who played in just 16 games over the past three seasons, and think that he could turn him into a safety should be commended.
Not only has Thurmond been an upgrade over Nate Allen, but he has graded out as one of the better safeties in the league throughout the course of the season.
It’s funny in that sense, that with how much people have complained (rightfully, for that matter) about safety play since Brian Dawkins left, that they haven’t talked more about how good the safety play has been with Thurmond playing across from Malcolm Jenkins this season.
Next: Click Here to See Number Two