Eagles: Rookie DT Fletcher Cox ready to soar

Philadelphia Eagles rookie defensive tackle Fletcher Cox flew under the radar during most of training camp and the preseason and that's not always easy for a first-round draft pick to do.

Maybe it's because he plays a position, defensive tackle, which is not real glamorous or perhaps it's because he's only expected to be a role player this year and not a franchise savior.

Either way, Cox said he's ready to start the season -- the real season -- and he made it clear he doesn't plan on flying under the radar for long.

When asked what his goals were for his first season in the NFL, he quickly answered: “Defensive rookie of the year.''

Cox still isn't sure how much he'll play when the Eagles open the NFL season on Sunday in Cleveland, though there's a decent chance he'll be in the starting lineup against the Browns.

If defensive end Jason Babin (calf) doesn't play, Cullen Jenkins will probably move from DT to Babin's outside spot and Cox will probably make his first NFL start.

When asked about that, Cox shrugged and shook his head.

“I know I'll be in there eventually, and that's all that counts,'' he said. “And what really matters isn't when I'm in there, but what I do once I get there. And I plan on having an impact.”

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Philadelphia Eagles from blogger Kevin Noonan, follow @CBSSportsNFLPHI.