Marian Catholic grad and Purdue offensive tackle Dennis Kelly spent a good deal of time on the phone Saturday afternoon.
The 6-foot-8, 304-pound Kelly was on the phone with Philadelphia Eagles officials who were telling him they would draft him. He talked with head coach Andy Reid and offensive line coach Howard Mudd among others.
Kelly was at his parents' house in Chicago Heights when he saw his name flash across the screen as the Eagles took him as the 18th pick of the fifth round on the NFL draft. He was the 153rd pick overall.
"It was surreal because that is a dream come true," Kelly said. "Even though I knew they were taking me, when you hear and see your name up there ... I can't explain it."
He was projected to anywhere from the third to the sixth round and one scouting service listed him as the 23rd-best lineman in the draft.
Kelly will be heading to rookie camp in May and will attempt to earn a spot on the Eagles roster.
"Coach Reid and Coach Mudd both told me how they want me to make an impact and help the Philadelphia Eagles to win a Super Bowl," Kelly said. "I know it will be tough, but I am just going to keep working hard and do my best to make the team and to help them win."
On March 28, Philadelphia's starting left tackle Jason Peters ruptured his Achilles tendon during an off season workout. His status for the 2012 season is in doubt. The Eagles signed Demetress Bell and re-signed backup tackle King Dunlap.
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