Eagles Practice Notes: A Deep Dive into the Offseason
The Philadelphia Eagles held their first OTA practice of the year, and it was a busy day with plenty of action and insights. Here's a breakdown of what stood out, with a focus on the offense, defense, and special teams.
Offense
- Quarterback: Andy Dalton was the second quarterback in team drills, with Tanner McKee rotating as QB3. McKee's limited reps and arm sleeve raise questions.
- Wide Receivers: Makai Lemon stood out with his first-team reps, but Hollywood Brown's size and Dontayvion Wicks' absence are notable.
- Offensive Line: The starters were Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, and Markel Bell. The second and third units feature interesting shifts, with some players moving positions.
- Tight Ends: Johnny Mundt was TE2, and Eli Stowers showed potential in 13 personnel.
Defense
- Safety: Marcus Epps and Michael Carter II were the first-team safeties, with Cooper DeJean shifting to the back end in base defense.
- Defensive Tackle: Ty Robinson's struggles on the third team are concerning, with Byron Young and Gabe Hall behind starters Jordan Davis and Moro Ojomo.
Special Teams
- Kickoff Coverage: Carson Steele and J.T. Gray stood out in the first kickoff coverage unit, potentially hinting at their roster status.
Observations
- Nolan Smith: Looks bulked up, a positive sign for his development.
- Wide Receivers: Makai Lemon, Hollywood Brown, and Elijah Moore are noticeably small, but their skills compensate for size.
- Tucker Large: His size and role are intriguing, and he might be a long snapper.
- Eli Stowers: Smaller than expected, but his frame could be an asset.
- Riq Woolen: Tall and imposing, a physical presence at cornerback.
- Uar Bernard: His physical profile is intriguing, a potential key player.
Rookies
- Makai Lemon: Showed early chemistry with Hurts, but a drop raised concerns.
- Eli Stowers: Unremarkable so far.
- Markel Bell: Taking first-team reps at RT is a positive sign for his backup role.
- Cole Payton: Advanced beyond expectations, with a highlight throw to Dae'Quan Wright.
Quarterbacks
- Andy Dalton: Struggled with interceptions, raising questions about his starting role.
- Tanner McKee: Limited reps and an arm sleeve suggest potential injury concerns.
Special Teams Notes
- Brandon Hayes: Signed as an undrafted rookie, sharing a jersey with Deontae Lawson.
Next Steps
The Eagles have more OTA practices and a mandatory minicamp ahead, with media access expected to increase.
This practice revealed a mix of encouraging signs and areas for concern. The offense showed potential with motion and play action, while the defense struggled with defensive tackles. Special teams had some intriguing moments, and the rookies are making their mark. As the offseason progresses, the Eagles will need to address these areas to be competitive in the upcoming season.
