Spring Review

OTAs are over. Let’s talk about some of what we learned over the past six weeks.

THE STARS

Carson Wentz – The team’s star QB is healthy and it shows. He looked great at times. Most importantly, Wentz got plenty of reps and developed good chemistry with his new teammates. Some of his best throws came in the Red Zone. That’s important because RZ play was down last year and hurt the team. Wentz looks like he might be getting back to his 2017 form, when he was on pace to be the league MVP before his late season injury.

DeSean Jackson – Jackson got everyone’s attention with his speed and overall level of play. He ran good routes and caught just about everything thrown his way. Jackson was able to really get in a rhythm with Wentz, partly because the two played so much together this spring. Jackson is an established veteran and could have skipped the OTAs if he wanted. Instead, he was there everyday and played lights out. Great sign for the upcoming season.

Dallas Goedert – Zach Ertz might be the best TE in the league. Goedert looks like he’s on his way to being one of the best. He made all kinds of impressive catches in the spring. Goedert won’t be a volume receiver, but he can be an impact player for this team.

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UP AND COMING

Nate Sudfeld – Up and down showing. The coaches still believe in Sudfeld, but he didn’t do anything in the open practices to make anyone feel confident he can play at a high level if called upon. It would be good for Sudfeld to play better this summer.

Halapoulivaati Vaitai – Big V played RG this spring. It is impossible to judge him based on non-contact practices, but it is interesting that he spent all his time there. It will be interesting to see how he does at RG with the pads on.

Jordan Mailata – He spent last year at LT. This spring Mailata played RT. He was up and down, as you might expect. Mailata has a chance to be the team’s backup RT this season.

Joe Ostman – Second-year DE has gotten bigger and stronger. He impressed his teammates. Multiple OL cited him for his play in the OTAs. Ostman will be battling for a roster spot this summer. He helped himself with a strong showing in the spring

Josh Sweat – Doug Pederson mentioned Sweat as a player who stood out this spring. Sweat’s size and athleticism make him a natural to look good in the OTAs. Training Camp will be a bigger challenge.

Kamu Grugier-Hill – KGH was the best LB on the field this spring. He played well and looked as athletic as ever. Of course, it helped that the Eagles aren’t loaded with star LBs. Still, KGH is a player on the rise and should get even more time this year.

Avonte Maddox – The best DB on the field in the OTAs. Played in the slot and outside. Covered well and made plays. Looks ready to have a big season no matter where he lines up.

Sidney Jones – He’s healthy and had a good showing. He and Maddox moved inside and outside on different days. Jones has a legit shot to start this year, but he’ll have to earn that role this summer. The problem with Jones has been durability, not ability. He’s healthy now and is playing well.

Rasul Douglas – Seemed to face Jackson a lot this spring. Douglas struggled with his speed at times, but won some battles as well. Another CB with a chance to win a starting job.

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NEW GUYS

Andrew Sendejo – Veteran FS had some good moments. The Eagles like to play 3-safety sets and Sendejo will help with that. Should be an improvement over Corey Graham.

Hassan Ridgeway – The Eagles traded for him during the draft and Ridgeway impressed the coaches this spring. He’s got a chance to be part of a strong DT rotation.

Cody Kessler – Did not impress anyone this spring.

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ROOKIES

JJ Arcega Whiteside – The book on him coming out of Stanford is that he ran good routes and was outstanding on contested catches. This spring he ran good routes and looked outstanding on contested catches. That’s a great sign. Could be a valuable role player. Look for him in the Red Zone.

Miles Sanders – Missed all spring with a hamstring injury. Not an ideal start. This doesn’t mean he can’t contribute. You may recall that UDFA Josh Adams was hurt last spring and summer, but still led the team in rushing yards, rushing TDs and yards per carry. Sanders can still be a key part of the RB rotation.

Andre Dillard – Impressed everyone with his footwork and athleticism. Has a strong chance to be the team’s backup LT. Got a lot of reps in the OTAs and that should continue in the summer. Jason Peters doesn’t need a ton of practice so that gives his backups extra reps.

TJ Edwards – Undrafted rookie LB made his share of plays and always seemed to find a way to stand out. Doing his best to win a roster spot. I’m curious to see if he plays more MLB or WLB.

Clayton Thorson – Not off to a great start. Struggled this spring. He’s athletic, but his passing needs a lot of work if he is going to push for a roster spot.

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LONGSHOTS

Marken Michel – Who? Sony Michel’s brother made plays on a regular basis. He forced everyone to learn his name and actually pay attention to him. That’s exactly what you want from the guys at the bottom of the roster.

Jeremiah McKinnon – Young CB flashed in the OTAs.

Boston Scott – Pederson mentioned Scott as a player who impressed him. Scott did have some “wow” moments in the OTAs. To be fair, those types of practices are made for guys with his skill set. Scott will need to be even better this summer, but he’s off to a good start and did exactly what he needed to. He got people’s attention.

*****

Bo Wulf surveyed Eagles players to see who impressed them. Excellent piece.

Jimmy Bama offered his stock up/stock down take on the spring.

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