Eagles Training Camp notebook: James Bradberry chose to move to Safety, rookie underdog shines

The Philadelphia Eagles completed their final practice of the week ahead of a day off on Sunday, rounding out the first stanza of 2024 Training Camp. Here is all you need to know from NovaCare Complex.

Injury Report

The Eagles received some positive updates on Saturday. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. returned to practice after exiting Friday’s workout early with apparent leg cramps, while Landon Dickerson made his Training Camp debut.

However, Tyler Steen ended practice early. The injury doesn’t appear to be severe which is a relief, but it afforded Mekhi Becton a chance to flex his muscles at tackle while Darian Kennard and Trevor Keegan saw some expanded reps at guard. Becton figures to be a swing backup for this offensive front, but if he continues to perform over the summer, he could well snatch a starting role.

Rookie updates

The Eagles’ rookies have had an interesting start to camp. Quinyon Mitchell continues to receive first-team looks both inside and out, and small-school sleeper Jalyx Hunt has turned a few heads. His athleticism was off the charts during pre-draft workouts and he appears to be flaunting that through the opening days of camp.

However, it’s not all been sunshine and rainbows. Ainias Smith has reportedly struggled through the opening few days, which doesn’t help his case to carve out a large offensive role while the likes of John Ross and Parris Campbell continue to thrive in the slot.

Preseason is going to be the real proving ground for the majority of this rookie class, including the likes of Jeremiah Trotter Jr. The Eagles open their preseason schedule on Friday, Aug. 9 against the Baltimore Ravens.

James Bradberry wanted to move to Safety

In an interesting development, Eagles DB James Bradberry told reporters after practice that it was actually his idea to move to Safety. He forecasted the Eagles bringing in some CB help following a season of struggle for the former New York Giant and decided to see if he could help the team in a different fashion to secure his spot on the roster.

It’s a smart move from the veteran if it does pay off, but how long that leash is remains unknown. Sydney Brown should be back in the picture after the opening few weeks of the season, and versatile DB Cooper DeJean is also going to be a key cornerstone for this franchise over the next few years. However, if Bradberry believes he can make a bigger impact at Safety than Corner, it benefits all parties and should be embraced by everyone.

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