Barkley among new Eagles at rookie camp this weekend

The Eagles begin a three-day rookie camp Friday that will be attended by 42 players, including eight draft picks and 19 players trying out for the team.

The camp, which is closed to the media and the public, will mark quarterback Matt Barkley's first time at the NovaCare Complex after the team invested a fourth-round pick on the former Southern California quarterback.

It also marks the return of the Eagles' top draft picks, who visited after they were selected. Offensive tackle Lane Johnson, fourth overall pick, will make his debut wearing No. 65.

For tight end Zach Ertz and cornerback Jordan Poyer, this weekend will be their first offseason workout with the Eagles. Ertz (Stanford) and Poyer (Oregon State) have not yet graduated from schools that are on the quarters system, and NFL rules forbid players from schools with classes in session to participate in organized team activities until final exams are completed. The rookie camp is the lone exception.

Last season's practice squad players, this year's undrafted free agents, and rookie signings will also be at the camp. Those players already have contracts with the team. The 19 tryout players will attempt to earn spots on the 90-man roster.

Highlighting the tryout players is linebacker Chris Gocong, a former third-round pick who spent 2006-09 with the Eagles. Gocong, 29, was released by the Cleveland Browns after he ruptured his Achilles tendon.

The Eagles also invited three former Temple players to try out: running back Montel Harris, linebacker Marcus Green, and offensive lineman Devin Tyler. Former Penn State linebacker Pete Massaro received an invitation, too.

The list includes Oregon wide receiver Will Murphy, who played for Chip Kelly, and two players from New Hampshire, where Kelly attended and was a longtime assistant coach.

The camp lasts until Sunday. The offseason program will become more interesting Monday, when the rookies join the veterans for organized team activities.

Linebacker Gerald McRath worked out for the Eagles Thursday but will not take part in this weekend's minicamp. Also Thursday, the Eagles signed five of their eight draft picks: Ertz, Poyer, safety Earl Wolff, defensive end Joe Kruger, and defensive end David King.

Drafted or free-agent rookies

Tryouts