Mandatory Minicamp is in the books and the NovaCare Complex will close its gates until Training Camp. It's been an important spring for the Eagles, following on from a stunning offseason of acquisition. But what have we learned about the team throughout OTA's? Here are ten takeaways to ponder as the wait for Training Camp begins.
Carson Wentz is out for revenge
One of the first things those in attendance were quick to notice this offseason was the mobility of Carson Wentz. At this point one year ago, Wentz was sorely limited after tearing his ACL in week 14 of the season prior. But with no knee brace in sight, Wentz has been carving up the NovaCare Complex.
The chemistry with DeSean Jackson drew plenty of attention throughout OTA's, with Wentz confidently slinging the ball once more, moving effortlessly through drills and throwing without any visible limitations.
Then, his life changed forever. Wentz signed a four-year extension with the Eagles worth $128M.
" I'm happy to be here, happy to be in this city long-term." Wentz told reporters shortly after the long-term deal was announced. "You can play the ‘what if’ game a million different ways, and I don't get too caught up in that. We talked through it, we thought through it. Wanted to reach something that was fair both for me and my family, but also for this team and the organization for the future. I don't think I'll have any regrets. I'm really excited to be here and hopefully do something special for a while."
Spring couldn't have gone any better for the man with the most guaranteed money in NFL history and that can only mean good things for an offense that is looking terrifying at this early stage.
Malcolm Jenkins won't let his desire for a new contract get in the way
One of the big narratives of the spring was the still-pending Malcolm Jenkins contract extension.
https://phillysportsnetwork.com/2019/06/07/with-carson-wentz-re-signed-eagles-now-have-to-turn-their-attention-to-malcolm-jenkins/
Jenkins skipped voluntary workouts and many assumed that it was due to the 31-year old seeking a payday. Surprisingly, Jenkins showed up for mandatory minicamp and made it clear he wouldn't let his desire for a new deal hurt the team.
He told reporters that he believes he has 'outplayed' his current deal, and it's hard to really say otherwise given just how incredibly valuable he's been to this team. But the maturity of Jenkins to separate that from an essential part of the offseason, speaks volumes. There's no 'diva-like' holdout here...and that can only be admired.
Cornerback competition will be vicious
With Ronald Darby and Jalen Mills both missing OTA's due to rehabbing injuries sustained last year, Avonte Maddox, Sidney Jones, and Rasul Douglas have been the beneficiaries of first-team exposure. And unsurprisingly, they've made every snap count.
Maddox has earned stellar praise over the last couple of weeks, lining up just about everywhere, while Sidney Jones and Rasul Douglas have both enjoyed numerous flashes.
While it's unlikely Ronald Darby's spot is in jeopardy, there is a chance that the CB2/3 roles could be up for grabs. The Eagles aren't financially committed to Jalen Mills in the way they are to Darby and if Maddox or Douglas, who have longer contracts with the team, are playing better, you have to put your best foot forward.
Just like last year, the cornerback competition will be vicious. Only this time, Jones, Douglas, and Maddox, are coming off a run of starts at the end of 2018 due to injuries elsewhere. A run they will be looking continue into next season.
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Dallas Goedert breakout inbound?
Arguably one of the biggest spring standouts so far has been TE Dallas Goedert. Whether it's plucking balls away from Sidney Jones or catching touchdown after touchdown, Goedert has been the name on the lips of just about everybody who has attended a spring practice.
It took a while for Goedert to get going last year, but he ended his rookie year with 334 yards and 4 touchdowns, becoming a focal point of the Eagles red zone offense. His development from year one to year two is leaving coaches purring. Is a breakout inbound? Don't write it off...
Another offseason, another running back war
One name fans have been excited to see all offseason is Penn State's Miles Sanders. But this year's second-round selection is yet to participate in an offseason practice, battling a lower-body injury. Doug Pederson cited that he wants to be careful with Sanders, which makes sense given the time between now and week one...but as if the running back position didn't have enough to fight for.
It's assumed Sanders and Howard already have their roles secured. But the RB3/4 roles are hanging in the balance. Wendell Smallwood's growth will be under the microscope, while Corey Clement is battling a return from a disappointing sophomore slump, that could be attributed to lingering injury problems.
There will be a lot of eyes in the Eagles backfield this offseason and with good reason. We haven't even touched on Josh Adams or Boston Scott. The competition will be extremely intense. Don't be surprised to see a few twists and turns along the way.
JJ Arcega-Whiteside is flashing early
Perhaps the biggest standout of the entire spring has been rookie wideout JJ Arcega-Whiteside. The Stanford product has been electrifying and is already on the same page as his quarterback. Benefitting from absences of Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor early on, 'JJAW' has taken to OTA's like a duck to water, leaving Pederson very impressed.
“This kid has deceiving speed, long speed, No. 1. He’s big. He’s physical at the top.” Doug Pederson told reporters during June's OTA's. “You can see some of his separation when there’s contact at the top of routes where he can separate. Got a really good first step quickness at the line to release, and he’s a big — just a big body. We’ve seen him in the red zone a little bit and being able to you know some back shoulder throws and some of the things you’ve seen on tape in college. He’s been impressive that way.
But I would say that he’s still learning, learning how to run routes, learning how our quarterbacks throw and the timing of things. But he’s had a really good spring.”
It's not yet known what kind of role Arcega-Whiteside will have as a rookie, but the potential is seemingly sky-high.
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DeSean's still got it
If you want to make an Eagles fan smile, just mention DeSean Jackson's name. The veteran wideout is back home and is wasting no time in picking up where he left off. Not only does he have a unique handshake with Carson Wentz (the most important takeaway), but it's become very clear that he's still just as rapid as the day he stepped into the NFL.
https://twitter.com/Mfranknfl/status/1130864241098018816
The Eagles have struggled to fill their 'need for speed' ever since DeSean Jackson was sent packing. Now he's back in the fold, dreams of Wentz unleashing deep balls to the wide-open speedster are rapidly becoming a reality.
Josh Sweat SZN
It's no secret that the Eagles lost a lot of defensive end depth this offseason in Michel Bennett and Chris Long. Shareef Miller and Vinny Curry should help negate that loss, but a lot will be expected from last year's fourth-round pick, Josh Sweat.
Interestingly, Doug Pederson mentioned Sweat as one of the spring's standouts, which is a huge positive for the FSU product. Sweat saw minimal time during his rookie season and with the need for speed on the outside now higher than ever, there will be plenty of focus on Josh Sweat's development this Summer.
Boston Scott hive
My love for Louisiana Tech's Boston Scott isn't exactly a secret. Poached from the Saints practice squad last season ahead of a clash with the Texans, Scott made an instant impact on punt returns but could well be competing for a much bigger role this offseason.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_JhVw1-jw0
Mentioned in the same breath as Darren Sproles due to his size and skill set, the 5'6, 203 lbs running back averaged 4.8 yards per carry last preseason for the Saints, scoring a touchdown and amassing 121 yards on 25 carries, seeing time at both return spots as well.
"We have a player [RB] Boston Scott, who's been on our roster since the end of last season or halfway through." Pederson said during OTA's. "He's a guy that can kind of fill a Darren Sproles. He's in that same body type and same quickness. We're working him in a couple of different situations as a runner, as a punt returner, and just kind of getting a feel for him because he wasn't a guy we initially brought onto our team early."
Scott has see a significant amount of time as a punt returner throughout the spring and with a wide open running back competition, who is to say he won't be the wildcard that sneaks onto the roster?
