Eagles minicamp OTA observations New-look secondary beginning to take shape early leader in punter battle
The first day of open media availability for minicamp was Thursday, with an early look at the depth chart on both sides of the ball. Philadelphia had 7-on-7 drills during the open portion of the media se sion, along with a few other interesting developments as the defending NFC champions eye the title. Of course, this is just one practice se sion of six (all voluntary) with no mandatory minicamp (the Eagles are the only that doesn't have one). A few quick observations from the hour-long se sion open to the media:Even
Yovani Gallardo Jersey with 7-on-7 drills, we got an early look at how the secondary could look on Day 1 of training camp. and were the starting safeties, while and were on the second team.If you're wondering where is, don't panic. The Eagles take time acclimating their rookies and Brown was rotating with Wallace on the second team toward the end of 7-on-7. and were the starting corners, but the Eagles were getting a look at in the slot ( is still the starter there). and were on the second team, but Jobe also got some first-team looks.Bradberry and Maddox were at practice and in shells, but watched the majority of 7-on-7 drills. The Eagles used that opportunity to get an extended look at McPhearson and Jobe.Slay had a good day in the 7-on-7 se sion, breaking up deep pa ses to and . Brown had a strong back-shoulder catch against Jobe a few plays later, as one of the game's best receivers showcased to Jobe how hard it is to defend him. Even at 32, Slay more than holds his own against the dynamic pa s-catchers in the Eagles' offense. and are the starters at linebacker. Morrow revealed after practice Dean has the green dot, so he's calling the defense. and were on the second team
Burch Smith Jersey at linebacker. got some linebacker reps (sort of). The Eagles dropped him into coverage while rotating edge rushers in on 7-on-7s, while having him rush the pa ser on another play. Smith did play the "JACK" in Kirby Smart's defense at Georgia, dropping back into coverage one a few formations -- so this is nothing the rookie first-round pick can't handle. picked off a pa s intended for , a good read on a poor Mariota throw. Elli s rotated with the second team and is someone to watch in training camp.The Eagles signed as an undrafted free agent to compete with for the punter job. One of two Eagles to wear No. 10 (rookie quarterback is the other), Sipo s' job is far from safe.In this open se sion, Sipo
Corey Knebel Jersey s clearly had the edge on Zentner. Five punts were recorded for each player and here were the hang-time numbers:Sipo sZentnerPunt 14.954.76Punt 24.264.60Punt 34.453.73Punt 44.633.64Punt 54.984.65Punt 65.11-Why is the punter battle noticeable? Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni was watching each of the punts and observing both players. It's June 1, but Sipo s has the edge over his rookie counterpart.The Eagles have two new running backs set to have a significant role in the offense in and . So who was the player who got the first-team reps in 7-on-7? None of them. Jalen Hurts hands
Boone Logan Jersey it off to DAndre Swift.Get used to this. Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) Philadelphia had the veterans who have been with the team the longest take those snaps first, so was getting the first-team reps with and following. Don't look too much into it, as Penny and Swift are both expected to be major players in the running game come September.Keep in mind this is a voluntary minicamp, so players don't have to be here. , , , , and were the starters absent from practice. Cox was shown working out with the team Tuesday and Smith has been in the facility throughout the offseason.Avonte Maddox was there, but he was off to the side. was absent as well.With Johnson absent, was the starting right tackle. started at right guard.Hurts certainly bulked up his upper body this offseason, particularly around the shoulders (he had
Cory Spangenberg Jersey a sprained AC joint last year). Having a stronger upper body will be vital for Hurts to stay healthy through the grind of a 17-game season and deep playoff run. Jalen Hurts does look like he bulked up his upper body this year. Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) Watched Hurts monitor the second team when the first team was getting a rest and the quarterback has an eye on everything. Hurts was watching the coverage and the receivers break point, getting the feel for guys he will be throwing the ball to this fall. The quarterback doesn't mi s an opportunity to study, even when he's taking a knee.