Taylor

Hart

The Eagles were rumored to be shopping Hart but obviously they couldn’t find any takers. A 3-4 defensive end by trade, Hart was a square peg in a round hole trying to fit into Jim Schwartz’s 4-3 scheme. Perhaps he’ll head to San Francisco to reunite with Chip Kelly, who coached him both at Oregon and his first two years in Philadelphia.

Hart logged 27 tackles in 14 games including one start last season. The former fifth-round pick profiles as a 3-4 defensive end, which makes him an odd fit in Jim Schwartz’s 4-3 scheme. Hart and Beau Allen have been fighting for reps at defensive tackle behind Fletcher Cox and Bennie Logan.

Some Eagles beat writers were surprised when Hart was cut after a solid training camp. In San Francisco, Hart will provide depth behind Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner. Hart played for new 49ers coach Chip Kelly at Oregon.

Hart is a backup-caliber 3-4 defensive end who will likely serve as a rotational run-stopping defensive tackle in Eagles DC Jim Schwartz’s 4-3 scheme.

When the Eagles were in a pinch for line help late in the season, they asked Hart to try his hand at the switch. He apparently showed enough in a few practice sessions to head into the offseason program as an offensive lineman. Hart wasn’t playing on defense, so maybe the move will help him find a role.

A 39-game starter for Oregon, Hart (6-foot-6, 281 pounds) notched 22.5 career tackles for loss, 16 sacks and five forced fumbles during his Pac 12 career. With 4.85 speed and a 30-inch vertical leap, he enters the league with impressive measurables. He’ll be groomed as a run-stopping specialist who can push the pocket in sub-packages.

Hart (6-foot-6 1/8, 281) drew an Aaron Smith comparison from NFL Films’ Greg Cosell, high praise considering Smith is one of the premier “five-technique” ends in league history. A 39-game starter for the Ducks, Hart recorded 22.5 career tackles for loss, 16 sacks, and five forced fumbles. Showing better-than-expected athleticism at Oregon’s Pro Day, Hart ran 4.85 with a 30-inch vertical. Although Hart will never be a big-time NFL pass rusher, he should develop into a highly useful run-stopping end with some ability to push the pocket from the interior in sub-packages.

Hart moved to offensive tackle last offseason after spending his first three years as a deep reserve on the defensive line. He didn’t appear in any 2017 games. Hart gives the Eagles veteran depth behind Lane Johnson and Jason Peters.