The Philadelphia Eagles have released offensive linemen Danny Watkins. Watkins was the 23rd selection in the 2011 NFL draft and joined the Eagles in a lockout-shortened offseason. The lockout and a short contract holdout, combined with the unusual age for an NFL rookie, Watkins was 26 at the time of his selection, left the guard behind the curve in reaching the level of play necessary to play at an NFL level.

Ian Rapport of NFL.com first broke the news of the impending release of the guard, and this was later confirmed by the Eagles.

Watkins only began playing football at the age of 22, after spending his earlier years as a volunteer fireman in British Columbia. The guard joined the Eagles during an offseason of radical change for the organization. Long time offensive line coach Juan Castillo became defensive coordinator for an ill fated spell. Andy Reid persuaded legendary offensive line coach Howard Mudd out of retirement to fill the vacant role. Watkins admitted in the offseason that he struggled with the concepts that Mudd used, and was hoping to improve under new line coach 

Jeff Stoutland, who has brought numerous players through to the NFL as a coach at Alabama.

The release of Danny Watkins may come as a surprise to some as he will still earn $1.1million this season, however he has failed to live up to his first-round billing. In the first six games of the 2012 season he allowed six quarterback hits and yielded nine QB hurries. The Canadian then found himself on the bench for the rest of the season and settled into the reserve role.