As the current Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles kicked off their offseason organized team activities (OTAs) with an open practice to the media on Wednesday afternoon at the NovaCare Complex. I was present to observe the latest developments and gather insights. Here are some key takeaways from the session.
Important Reminders Before We Dive In
- Note on Media Restrictions: Please keep in mind that the Eagles do not permit video recordings or photographs during warmups and drill sessions. Consequently, there are no visual highlights of team drills available from this practice.
- Indoor Practice Environment: Due to rain, the team conducted their drills inside the NovaCare Complex. Take a look at the new decor and setup inside the facility.
Player Attendance and Participation
- Voluntary Nature of OTAs: It’s essential to remember that OTAs are optional, so absences are not necessarily concerning. Notably, DeVonta Smith, Lane Johnson, Reed Blankenship, Bryce Huff, and Avery Williams were not seen at the practice. According to Thomas Mott, DeVonta and Lane were spotted at NovaCare during Tuesday’s session. Blankenship appeared in a team video from Tuesday, while Williams’ absence raises curiosity about his role, especially since it will be interesting to see where he lines up. Huff’s absence, following rumors earlier this offseason, is also noteworthy.
Injury and Recovery Updates
- Injured Players: Cam Jurgens, Nakobe Dean, and Jihaad Campbell were present inside the bubble but did not participate due to injuries. Landon Dickerson and Ben VanSumeren were not seen, likely still recovering from their respective injuries. Nolan Smith was involved in individual drills but did not join team sessions, recovering from a torn triceps sustained in Super Bowl LIX. A.J. Brown and Saquon Barkley, though not injured, did not participate extensively as the team manages their workload.
Defense: Depth Chart Insights
The first-team defense during the initial 7-on-7 drills featured Zack Baun and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. at linebacker, Cooper DeJean at nickel cornerback, Quinyon Mitchell at left cornerback, Adoree’ Jackson at right cornerback, with Andrew Mukuba and Sydney Brown at safety. In nickel formations, DeJean shifted to RCB alongside Mitchell, who remains a primary corner. Kelee Ringo replaced Jackson at RCB in some looks, also rotating at left cornerback with Eli Ricks, indicating a competitive battle for starting cornerback positions. At safety, Lewis Cine and Andre’ Sam alternated with the first-team unit, suggesting ongoing competition for starting roles.
Offensive Line and Skill Position Battles
The starting offensive line, with Dickerson, Jurgens, and Johnson absent, featured Jordan Mailata at left tackle, Matt Pryor at left guard, Brett Toth at center, Tyler Steen at right guard, and Dorian Kinnard at right tackle. Observing new players in person was a highlight; for example, Saquon Barkley appeared notably larger last year, whereas this year, Adoree’ Jackson looked smaller than expected, though his jersey number gives him a sleek appearance. Kelee Ringo’s size stands out compared to Jackson, and rookie Drew Mukuba appears lean but not diminutive. Rookie Antwaun Powell-Ryland, listed lighter than veteran Brandon Graham, has a stocky build reminiscent of BG, which is amusing given Graham’s presence in the organization.
Emerging Leadership and Player Dynamics
Ringo led the defensive backs in a pre-drill huddle, possibly indicating a leadership role in Year 3, especially with Darius Slay no longer with the team. Jalen Hurts looked sharp during the practice, primarily focusing on quick, accurate throws rather than deep passes. His connection with Dallas Goedert remains strong, with Goedert appearing in excellent form. Notably, Goedert previously expressed uncertainty about his future with the Eagles beyond 2024, hinting at potential trade or release considerations, as he was temporarily away from the team earlier this offseason.
Coaching and Player Development
It’s early to judge offensive coordinator Patullo’s impact after just one OTA, but his demeanor during the press conference was promising. Quarterback Tanner McKee performed well, connecting on a deep touchdown to Danny Grey after a coverage breakdown, and also hitting rookie Darius Cooper and Harrison Bryant for significant gains. Defensive players like Smael Mondon Jr. and Andre’ Sam showed active engagement, with Sam competing for a starting safety spot. Vic Fangio, the defensive mastermind, was present in his usual hoodie, embodying his role within the organization.
Quarterback and Skill Position Highlights
Jalen Hurts demonstrated solid mechanics, with a few notable throws, including a well-placed pass to Goedert. He targeted Dotson twice, with one catch being a checkdown and the other a contested reception, indicating ongoing chemistry. Will Shipley, filling in as the primary running back, caught multiple passes, likely surpassing Kenny Gainwell’s target count from last season. Inside linebacker coach Bobby King was seen in a lengthy discussion with Jihaad Campbell, hinting at Campbell’s potential role as an off-ball linebacker rather than an edge rusher. Additionally, Vic Fangio’s presence in the practice underscores his importance to the defensive scheme.
Upcoming Practice Schedule
The Eagles will hold their remaining OTA sessions on May 30, June 2-3, and June 5. Media members are expected to attend at least one of these practices. Following the OTAs, the team will conduct a single-day minicamp on June 10, marking the final phase of offseason preparations before training camp.
