Guard Kyle DeVan may be a fresh face to his new teammates in the Eagles locker room, but for offensive line coach Howard Mudd, DeVan is plenty familiar. DeVan, who was claimed off waivers by the Eagles Sunday, started nine games at right guard for the Colts in 2009, which also happened to be Mudd's last season coaching in Indianapolis. Last season, DeVan started twelve games for the Colts last season at left guard.
The newest member of the Eagles figures to add depth behind rookie right guard Danny Watkins. Having been thrust into the starting right guard spot under Mudd in his first year on the 53-man roster (he spent his first season with the Colts on their practice squad), DeVan can relate to the rookie Watkins.
"I've been where Danny was," said the 6-foot-2, 306-pound veteran. "I was the young guy my first year in the league, but Coach Mudd does all he can to make sure his rookies get up to speed. He knows his veterans will be ready to go, and he'll coach Danny up. He always puts a lot of faith in his young guys, just like he did with me. He'll chew you out sometimes, but he'll make you better if you listen."
Despite his experience as a starter, the former Colt isn't looking to get into a position battle with Watkins, who, despite his rookie status, is actually three months older than DeVan. Rather, the newcomer is just looking to contribute in whatever ways he can.
"I know this offensive line scheme like the back of my hand from my time in Indy," he said. "Ever since I started playing for coach Mudd, I've played both guard positions and center, so wherever he tells me to play, I'll do it. I'd even play right tackle or tight end if I was asked to. I just want to get my reps and continue to learn the system."
Despite the fact that he is familiar to the Eagles' new blocking scheme, the man he will now be blocking for in Philadelphia couldn't be any more different than the man he blocked for the last two years in Indianapolis. The utility lineman described the difference between blocking for a pocket passer like Peyton Manning and how he expects to adjust to blocking for perhaps the most dynamic runner who's ever played the position - Michael Vick.
"Michael is a different kind of player," said DeVan after seeing Vick up close in practice Monday. "His style is totally different from Peyton's style, but I'm really excited to play for him. He's not afraid to throw the ball down field, and he can really make all the throws.
"When I was playing in front of Peyton Manning, I knew that I only had to hold my block for three seconds and the ball would be out. Now, with Michael extending plays in the pocket, it could be longer. If I have to block for five seconds, I'll block for five-and-a-half."
