The Eagles have completed their offseason program, and the team will now take a break until reconvening on July 22 for the start of the most important training camp in years.
The mandatory minicamp simply provided the ultimate preview for training camp battles for the cornerback spot opposite Darius Slay and at middle linebacker, where Nakobe Dean will work to hold off Zack Baum alongside Devin White.
The Eagles have several key rookies competing for spots. At the same time, Jalen Hurts will spend the rest of the summer learning Kellen Moore’s system from front to back while gathering with teammates this summer to continue integrating key parts of the scheme. With minicamp now complete, we’re looking at seven takeaways from the offseason workout program and minicamp.
Jalen Hurts the sponge
During his final press conference of the spring, Hurts admitted that 95% of the playbook is new and has been installed, and it’s all new language and verbiage from Kellen Moore’s offensive system.
Hurts said his goal this spring was to learn Moore’s offense, “master it,” and, by the end of that process, possess such a command of its inner workings that he essentially becomes the system. (“I want it to be mine and have it my own way,” Hurts said.)
Hurts had some struggles, but his flourishing history, despite only having been in the same system for two years with Shane Steichen, should provide a solid base for the quarterback to stand on when the team returns in July.
This is Kellen Moore's world
Kellen Moore calls the plays, and the new offensive coordinator has been front and center all spring and early summer, allowing Sirianni to spread his wings and focus more on the entire team.
DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown said that the offense had given them “more freedom,” while the uptick in bunch formations and pre-snap motion was evident from Day 1. It’s only offseason workouts and OTAs, but Moore already has added more versatility and eliminated the staleness of this Eagles offense.
Isaiah Rodgers
The gambling suspension is behind him, and as A.J. Brown pointed out, Rodgers has played like he never left. Rodgers, Kelee Ringo, and Quinyon Mitchell are going to force James Bradberry to play the safety position.
Saquon The Don
Philadelphia has a true three-down running back for the first time since LeSean McCoy departed. If OTAs and minicamps were any indications, Kellen Moore would use Barkley early, often, and in several different roles.
Barkley has been lining up as a receiver in the 7-on-7s and will quickly take advantage of mismatches on linebackers and safeties.
Eagles have a reliable backup quarterback
Nobody in Philadelphia is worried about Jalen Hurts getting benched anytime soon. Still, injuries happen, and if Hurts goes down or is unavailable, they’ll have one of the NFL’s top young backup quarterbacks in Kenny Pickett. The Eagles traded for the former Steelers first-round pick, and he looked efficient and accurate during the offseason workouts and mandatory minicamp.
Cooper DeJean will play everywhere
Much has been made about Quinyon Mitchell potentially being a starter opposite Darius Slay since Day 1. The Eagles second-round pick, Cooper DeJean, most likely won’t be a starter as a rookie, but he’ll be everywhere and a critical contributor.
John Ross
After two years away from the NFL, Ross will make it hard for the Eagles to cut him, and he could be in the play for the third or fourth wide receiver role. Ross, 28, accepted an offer to attend the Eagles’ rookie camp in early May, and he’s been making plays during OTAs and the minicamp, even earning first-team reps.
Random note
According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, the Philadelphia Eagles are paying Milton a $25,000 bonus, $225,000 of salary guaranteed for $250K in 2024. The former Georgia running back has looked the part and will compete for a roster spot.
