The Philadelphia Eagles are wrapping up their spring practice as they prepare for summer break, with the final week of offseason training activities (OTA) followed by mandatory minicamp next week. These OTA sessions primarily feature seven-on-seven drills with some mixed-team periods, allowing media to gauge depth chart positions and identify areas needing attention before the team reunites in July.
Tuesday’s practice offered plenty of insights, notably from defensive coordinator Vic Fangio regarding defensive progress expected in training camp. Here are five key takeaways:
1. Jalen Hurts continues to impress with his deep passing ability, a major strength as a quarterback. From Week 5 onward last season, Hurts completed 53.3% of his deep throws without any interceptions, leading the league in touchdown passes traveling over 25 yards in the air. This talent was highlighted in Tuesday’s training, where Hurts delivered a precise deep pass to Dallas Goedert, demonstrating his accuracy even in limited deep route practice.
2. The competition at safety remains intense throughout the summer among Sydney Brown, Andrew Mukuba, and Tristin McCollum, with newcomer Cooper DeJean potentially adding another option. Though DeJean didn’t play safety in practice, Fangio mentioned the Eagles are considering using him either as a cornerback or safety due to his skill set.
3. Rookie Jihaad Campbell, the Eagles’ first draft pick, is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery and is not expected on the field until August. Campbell will start as an inside linebacker rather than an edge rusher, with Fangio personally guiding his rehab during individual drills.
4. The offense’s focus is shifting towards tight ends, with a crowded group behind star Dallas Goedert including Harrison Bryant, Grant Calcaterra, and Kylen Granson. This marks the deepest tight end roster the Eagles have had in years, with reps being carefully distributed to evaluate each player’s role within Kevin Patullo’s new offensive scheme.
5. Linebacker Nakobe Dean remains sidelined due to a torn patellar tendon, and his return is not imminent. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., the fifth overall draft pick in 2024, is expected to step up during minicamp and training camp, showing strong instincts on the field despite not having elite speed.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for NFL fans as it highlights the Eagles refining key positions that could shape their 2024 season success. Keeping an eye on emerging talents like Hurts and Trotter Jr., alongside strategic adjustments on defense and offense, signals Philadelphia’s intent to maintain their competitive edge in the league.
