Minicamp Roundup – Day 2

Another day of practice, another day of practice notes.

Sheil Kapadia on Wentz to DeSean.

During the team period, DeSean Jackson lined up out wide to the left against cornerback Rasul Douglas and toasted him on a deep post. The bomb from Carson Wentz landed in Jackson’s hands as he made his way to the end zone.

Earlier in practice, during the route-on-air portion (no defenders), Jackson ran a 20-yard stop route. Wentz released the ball before Jackson was out of his break. By the time Jackson turned around and put his hands up, the pass was there.

The anticipation and timing between these two have been impressive all spring. Seeing their connection has made it glaringly obvious how much this offense has been missing a true vertical threat.

It’s never wise to put too much stock into OTAs and minicamp, but this spring couldn’t have gone much better for the Wentz-Jackson connection. I’m not quite ready to say Jackson will lead the Eagles in receiving yards, but I’m getting there.

The Eagles have been lacking an explosive weapon in recent years. Torrey Smith showed flashes in 2017, but wasn’t a consistent deep threat. Mike Wallace got hurt last year and didn’t do a thing. DeSean Jackson is a major upgrade.

It is very encouraging to hear that Wentz and Jackson have already developed good on-field chemistry. If you’re going to be throwing vertical routes, you need excellent timing. These two could end up being a pretty lethal combination. Someone mentioned recently that Wentz could be the best QB that Jackson has ever played with. That could be true. And a scary thought for opposing defenses.

*****

Jimmy Bama on some good DBs.

The defensive highlight of the day was an interception by Avonte Maddox, who was playing what looked like trail coverage on Marken Michel, who was running some sort of seam route. When the ball was released by Wentz, Maddox accelerated — and then elevated — for the ball, making an impressive leaping catch, before running the other way with it. Maddox has picked up right where he left off a season ago, and looks really good.

As crazy as this sounds, Maddox could end up being the best DB on the Eagles. He is smart and athletic. He can hit and tackle. Maddox is versatile enough to play anywhere. He also is a playmaker. The big question is where Maddox will play. He’s alternated between the slot and outside corner this spring.

After retrieving his jock strap from the field on the Michel play, Sendejo bounced back and made a few nice plays of his own. He didn’t bite on a double move to Jackson, and was able to break up a deep throw from Wentz. He also made an interception on what was a bad read or throw, or combination of the two by Wentz.

Sendejo isn’t a fan favorite because he’s a former Viking, but the veteran FS is a good player and could play a key role this year. Corey Graham was disappointing last year and it hurt the defense. Sendejo is a better player. He should be a good #3 safety and can even fill in as a starter if needed.

*****

Jeff McLane on Malcolm Jenkins.

Malcolm Jenkins hasn’t had many passes thrown his way over the last two days, but his contributions extend beyond playmaking. I asked Doug Pederson before practice if he was worried about the safety’s displeasure over his contract situation affecting his performance and the coach said that he thought it wouldn’t become a distraction. I can’t imagine it will. During the 2017 season, Jenkins and defensive end Brandon Graham started racing to the ball at the start of team drills as a way to encourage their teammates and add an element of hustle to each practice. They did it again last season, and when the whistle blew for the start of team drills the last two days, Jenkins was the first player to the ball.

Cool story.

Leadership comes in many different forms. Bringing this kind of energy and competitive spirit to practice has real value. Practice isn’t easy and isn’t a lot of fun. If you can fire up other players and get them to really buy into practice, that is going to help the team. Generally speaking, the teams that practice the best play the best.

The second unit: Josh Sweat, after spending most of the spring on the left, took some snaps on the right and got to face off against rookie Andre Dillard. I wouldn’t make much of line play when little contact is allowed, but as far as technique goes, Dillard looks like he’s miles ahead of most first-year tackles. He has cat-like feet and on one rush squared up Sweat with ease. I don’t know what to make of Nate Sudfeld’s spring. He’s had his moments and there are parts of his game that really stand out – like his touch on deep balls or passes that need to be floated into certain spots. But he’s had his struggles on throws outside the hashes. He hasn’t always gotten to work with the best receivers, but it’s not like the second unit defense is full of future NFL starters.

Good note there on Dillard, the rookie LT. He’s got plenty to learn, but it sounds like his talent is obvious to those watching practice. You can learn technique and develop skills, but talent is something you have or you don’t. Should be fun to watch Dillard in Training Camp and the preseason.

*****

Mike Kaye on Joe Ostman and Boston Scott.

The practice squad holdover had a nice day. In back-to-back 11-on-11 plays, Ostman was in the backfield for “would-be sacks.” At one point, his burst led to a few offensive linemen hitting the ground, including first-round left tackle Andre Dillard. Ostman brought consistent pressure but it’s important to keep in mind that these are limited contact drills and the pass rushers are at an advantage.

Ostman keeps stacking good practices. That’s what he needs to do to have a legit shot to make the roster. I still have my reservations about Ostman, but I am genuinely excited to see him in TC and the preseason. Is he Steven Means, Pt. 2? Is he more than that?

Running back Boston Scott had a really impressive cut during a handoff in 11-on-11 drills. It was so impressive that Scott had a huge hole to run through and the offense players on the sideline erupted. It was like Scott’s teammates were reacting to Allen Iverson crossing over Michael Jordan. It was a bit much but the move was impressive.

Scott has gotten the attention of the coaches. Obviously doing this in shorts is one thing. Doing this in pads with full contact will be a bigger challenge. There is a spot for a RB like him on the roster, but Scott will have to be lights out.

*****

Brandon Lee Gowton with some Red Zone highlights.

Wentz was on fire during red zone drills. He hit Wendell Smallwood on a wheel route in the back left corner of the end zone. The ball JUST made it over the outstretched arms of Tre Sullivan and into the hands of Wendell Smallwood as he ran the route in stride. Perfect timing and accuracy. Very impressive throw. Right after the Smallwood completion, Wentz threw a tight window touchdown to a tip-toeing Zach Ertz along the back of the end zone. Another great ball.

The Eagles were great in the Red Zone in 2017. Last year? Not so much. Getting back to being a top RZ team would help tremendously. Better weapons will be a big part of improved RZ play, but Wentz needs to be better as well. He left points on the field last year.

Undrafted rookie free agent DeAndre Thompkins got some “oooh’s” from his veteran teammates while doing a receiver drill focused on releases. He looked shifty.

Thompkins has the talent to be a role player in the NFL. I’m interested to see what he does this summer.

*****

PE.com on Marken Michel.

Another strong outing from young wide receiver Marken Michel. During a 7-on-7 drill, broken coverage allowed Michel to catch a wide-open pass out of the slot. But as the defensive back slowly came up to touch him to end the play, again no tackling here, Michel cut to the corner and raced away from the defense for a touchdown. Good hustle from Michel, who is taking advantage of the extended reps during this minicamp.

With some veterans out due to injury, Michel has taken advantage of the extra reps given to him. When you’re down the depth chart, that is exactly what you have to do.

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Mandatory Minicamp Day 1

The Eagles have a mandatory minicamp for the next three days. Let’s take a look at some of the practice notes from Tuesday. Instead of going writer by writer, let’s focus on players.

Alshon Jeffery

The highlight of the day was a simple out route by Alshon Jeffery. Sidney Jones had close coverage, but Jeffery violently threw Jones to the ground at the top of his route, getting wide open for the sideline throw. Of course, it was an obvious offensive pass interference call, but it was eye-opening physical domination.

On the one hand, it’s good that Jones had close coverage. On the other hand, it was emblematic of his lack of strength.

-Jimmy Bama-

Jeffery stood out among the other receivers, if only for a moment because of his size. The Eagles have other wideouts with as much or more length, but Jeffery’s frame is significant, and he may have bulked up some this offseason. I didn’t get to ask him if that were the case after practice but will get around to it later this week. Carson Wentz effortlessly tossed passes to the 6-foot-3, 218-pound receiver during individual drills and I couldn’t help but think of how both players didn’t start practicing together until last season started. There was some truth to the narrative of how the quarterback wasn’t looking as much in Jeffery’s direction — especially on deep balls – but a full training camp together should help their chemistry.

-Jeff McLane-

Jeffery isn’t in the same class as Julio Jones and the elite receivers of the NFL, but he is absolutely a difference-maker. A healthy Jeffery gives Carson Wentz a workhorse receiver on the outside. The Eagles are at their best when they spread the ball around, but there are times when you have to feed the ball to someone. Improved chemistry between Wentz and Jeffery would be great for the offense.

As for Sidney Jones, he does need to get bigger and stronger, but I don’t think we should make too much of this. I’m more interested in his cover skills.

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Blake Countess

It’s special teams now as the team works on kickoff coverage. It’s super early, but I always find it interesting from a roster perspective which players are working with the nominal first-team unit. Along with Jake Elliott, today’s group includes Andrew Sendejo, Rasul Douglas, Josh Sweat, Kamu Grugier-Hill, L.J. Fort, Blake Countess, Nate Gerry, Boston Scott, Sidney Jones and Avonte Maddox. Countess and Scott are the two names who should stand out if you’re into projecting the 53-man roster months in advance. It’s the best we can do to glean the thinking inside the building, absent of some kind of informant like Henry Hill.

-Bo Wulf-

Countess is serving as the personal protector on punt team.

-Mike Kaye-

As Bo points out, STs participants can sometimes be a good offseason hint. Countess has experience on defense and STs. He’s also young. There is a lot of logic to making him into a key role player. We know Jenkins and McLeod are the top two safeties. Things are less certain after that. Countess will have a legit chance to earn playing time this year.

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JJ Arcega-Whiteside

During 7-on-7 drills, the second-round rookie was unstoppable. He got open with ease on several reps and made an impressive diving touchdown catch in red zone drills. Wentz also hit Arcega-Whiteside for a 30-yard gain on a flea flicker early in practice.

Wentz and Sudfeld clearly feel comfortable making tough throws in his direction. Overall, it’s been a pretty strong offseason program for the rookie.

-Mike Kaye-

J.J. Arcega-Whiteside continues to impress. He caught the ball well today, and went down low for a red zone TD pass from Wentz. He also made a grab 30 yards down the field, again from Wentz, on a flea-flicker. With Wentz locked up for the next six years, and Arcega-Whiteside for the next four, it’s important that they begin to build chemistry, which they have so far.

-Jimmy Bama-

I love hearing all the positive reviews for JJAW. Rookie receivers usually have a hard time making a real impact. Adjusting to a more complex scheme and dealing with NFL defenders makes life very hard for the young players. JJAW is smart and hard-working. He is a good route-runner. He’s also a physical receiver so adjusting to the NFL style of play is easier for him. I’m really curious to see what kind of role the Eagles have for JJAW this year.

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Paul Worrilow

Worrilow missed a few practices during OTAs, but he was back Tuesday and active with both the first- and second-unit defenses. I don’t know where he fits, but I got to think the Eagles brought him back for good reason. Worrilow, if you recall, tore his ACL on the first day of OTAs last year. The Eagles had envisioned him as a backup to Jordan Hicks at middle linebacker. Zach Brown, who was signed last month, would seem to have the edge to replace the departed Hicks this year, but Worrilow could be a dark horse.

-Jeff McLane-

The Eagles have good competition at LB, with Worrilow being one of the key pieces. Worrilow can play inside or outside. He’s good on STs. He runs well. This is the kind of guy you want as a backup. Can he really push for a starting role? I’m not so sure, but the Eagles will give him a chance.

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Marken Michel

There’s usually one unknown receiver who manages to stand out in these early practices. This year that guy has been Marken Michel, who happens to be Patriots RB Sony Michel’s brother. Michel caught a deep ball from Wentz, and several other passes at every level of the field. It’s noteworthy that special teams coordinator Dave Fippmentioned Michel as a player who has flashed early this spring.

The question for guys like Michel is whether or not they can consistently sustain their promising play through training camp and into the preseason games. They usually can’t. We’ll see.

-Jimmy Bama-

For, like, the third time in two weeks, Wentz throws a perfect downfield ball that hits Marken Michel in stride for a huge play. Michel earned a shoutout Monday from Fipp, and frankly, he’s starting to give me some DeAndre Carter vibes. If there’s been one player previously considered an afterthought who’s flashed this spring, my nod would be Michel, who entered the league in 2016 as an undrafted free agent before heading to the Canadian Football League for two productive seasons with the Calgary Stampeders.

“Who’s 80?” asks Sheil. “One more (catch) and I’ll remember who he is.”

-Bo Wulf-

Michel has become a really interesting player. He was nothing special at UMass, but he’s developed into a legit NFL prospect. Michel is finding a way to stand out in practices. We don’t know if he can keep this up, but so far he’s done a good job. It is always fun when a guy comes out of nowhere to get people’s attention.

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Other QBs

Wasn’t the best day of Nate Sudfeld. He got “sacked” a number of times, including at least one play where Joe Ostman worked Jordan Mailata. The coverage deserves some credit but it felt like Sudfeld was holding on to the ball too long at times. Sudfeld did have a quality touchdown throw to Dallas Goedert during red zone drills.

Clayton Thorson continues to struggle. The rookie quarterback threw a really bad pick on the final play of practice. It was his former college teammate Godwin Igwebuike who logged the interception.

-Brandon Lee Gowton-

I can live with Sudfeld being up and down. Practice isn’t easy for backup QBs on talented teams. That said, Sufeld’s lack of experience and erratic showing does have to make you a bit nervous.

As for Thorson, he’s a project. A tough spring and summer might actually help the Eagles. They could cut him and put him on the practice squad with no fear of losing him. Obviously they would rather have Thorson light it up and force them to keep three QBs.

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Jake Elliott

For the first time this offseason, we have kicker notes! Jake Elliott missed a couple kicks during warmups (we don’t count those), but he was 6/6 on the kicks during the special teams period. As always, we’ll track all of Elliott’s kicks throughout camp, because, well, I’m a nerd.

-Jimmy Bama-

Nerd only scratches the surface.

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Young DL

 Josh Sweat’s speed and hustle was on display today as he chased down Donnel Pumphrey about 40-50 yards down the field. Sweat can move in the open field.

-Jimmy Bama-

Joe Ostman spent his rookie season on the team’s practice squad and he used that time and a full offseason to gain 10 pounds of muscle – and a bull rush. “Oh, he brings it,” right tackle Jordan Mailata said. “He really gets up on you and has a lot of power. It’s very legit.”

-PE-

The Eagles need young DL to step up this year. It doesn’t matter if that is Sweat or Ostman or Shareef Miller. The real test will come in Training Camp when the pads are on and there is full contact. Still, it is good to hear these guys are flashing. Sweat is made to stand out in OTAs with his size/speed combo.

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LINKS

Jimmy Bama

Jeff McLane

Mike Kaye

Brandon Lee Gowton

Bo Wulf

PE.com

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