Jordan Matthews to play outside receiver, and other roster notes

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- After Jordan Matthews spent the past two seasons almost exclusively as a slot receiver, the Eagles are committed to seeing if he can play on the outside.

Coach Doug Pederson said this morning at the NFL meetings that the Eagles would look at Matthews in that role during the spring.

"I think he can play outside," Pederson said. "I want to look him outside this spring as we go through the offseason. With his skill set, I think he can play both."

Asked if Matthews and Nelson Agholor are his top two outside receivers, Pederson said, "That how it looks right now."

Some other roster notes to come out of the interview:

-- Pederson confirmed Connor Barwin will play defensive end, as Barwin has noted.

"I think Connor can be an exceptional defensive end, pass rusher, while still being comfortable in space," Pederson said. "He's done that before. His best position is coming off that edge rushing that passer."

-- Marcus Smith will also play defensive end, moving from outside linebacker. The Eagles hope making Smith a pass rusher can help his development.

"He's going to go in as a defensive end," Pederson said. He's got a lot of potential, and as coaches, we need to get that potential. …Young players trying to feel their way in this league, get an identity in this league, there's a confidence level in this league, and I think some of the things he did and has done has really given himself a good opportunity going forward."

-- The linebacker combination is expected to be Mychal Kendricks at weak side, Nigel Bradham at strong side, and Jordan Hicks in the middle.

-- Pederson said the Eagles' starting left guard is on the roster, but he did not say specifically who that would be. He mentioned Jason Peters, although he then said Peters will stay at left tackle.

"There's been talk about that," Pederson said. "But in my opinion, I think he can still play left tackle. And that's where I want him to play. He's solid out there. He's got a lot of athleticism out there. I think that's his best spot going forward. As he continues each year, is there a chance he could possibly move inside? That's yet to be seen."

-- Pederson identified offensive line as a big need for the Eagles. Here is what he said about what the team needs:

"There's holes on the offensive-line position," Pederson said. "You can never have enough offensive line. Secondary is always a key position around the NFL. As you know, the passing game has become the staple. You look at linebackers -- that's always a key position. Guys who can run sideline to sideline. For us, personally, I think another one is getting some pass rushers."