The Eagles held their second OTA session of the summer, the first that was opened to the local and national media.
Philadelphia had four players miss the voluntary session on Thursday, but the work was still efficient, allowing a cast of new faces to continue embracing the culture and schemes.
Nick Sirianni’s team will have another practice on Friday before breaking until Monday and Tuesday’s OTA sessions.
With practice completed, here are the takeaways and observations from the first open practice of the summer.
Missing Eagles
Philadelphia had four players miss day two.
The Eagles look to have pretty good attendance at their second OTA session but several veterans aren’t here. Among them: DeVonta Smith, Lane Johnson, Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham
As a reminder: All these OTAs are voluntary.
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) June 1, 2023
Sydney Brown making his presence felt
There won’t be any video of Brown dynamic versatility until training camp but the early reviews are what we expected.
Sydney Brown is flying all over the field every rep. Just covered so much ground during first 7v7 rep of developmental period. Sideline to sideline
— Josh Tolentino (@JCTSports) June 1, 2023
Ty Zentner
We predicted Zentner will dethrone Arryn Siposs and so far, he’s got the goods.
UDFA Punter Ty Zenter registering pretty good hang time during the early portions of practice. I clocked him exceeding 4.5 seconds of hang on at least four punts. He also had a nice coffin corner drop in.
— Josh Tolentino (@JCTSports) June 1, 2023
Tyree Jackson hype returns
Jackson is an athletic marvel, but he’s not a natural tight end and he’s playing one of the deepest positions on the roster.
Tyree Jackson is going to be very good if he can stay healthy. Impressive every time I see him practice. #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) June 1, 2023
First look at D'Andre Swift
The No. 0 looks good on the jersey in person #Eagles pic.twitter.com/jNNAiwm04O
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) June 1, 2023
D’Andre Swift hit the practice field for the second time as a member of the Eagles.
First look at #Eagles new RB D'Andre Swift#FlyEaglesFly
🎥: @JeffKerrCBS pic.twitter.com/NPrQ5Z6FUd
— JAKIB Sports (@JAKIBSports) June 1, 2023
Injured Eagles
Avonte Maddox, Marlon Tuipulotu, Tyrie Cleveland among those not practicing due to previous injuries.
Avonte Maddox, Marlon Tuipulotu, Tyrie Cleveland among those not practicing. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) June 1, 2023
Jalen Hurts entering Year Four
Year 4 for Eagles QB Jalen Hurts underway. pic.twitter.com/KmtzEQkz5P
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) June 1, 2023
Hurts will enter year four with a lot more confidence and a whole lot more money.
QB1 working on his craft #Eagles pic.twitter.com/R4FBFzpcvp
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) June 1, 2023
Britain Covey is back
Britain Covey is back and he’ll likely make the roster as the fifth wide receiver thanks to his abilities to return punts.
Punt returner depth chart with no DeVonta Smith:
Britain Covey
Greg Ward
Olamide Zaccheaus
Quez Watkins— Josh Tolentino (@JCTSports) June 1, 2023
Nakobe Dean, Reed Blankenship growing into leaders
The two second-year players are taking on more of a leadership role in 2023.
With all of the starters heading inside, a couple of young defensive starters – Nakobe Dean and Reed Blankenship – stayed behind to watch the extra portion from the sideline. The duo then offered tips to the reserves and appeared to be v communicative with the coaching staff.
— Josh Tolentino (@JCTSports) June 1, 2023
Nakobe Dean calling the defense
Dean has a new role with the Eagles and it’ll go beyond just being the starting middle linebacker.
Dean will wear the green dot, and assume the role of defensive playcaller.
Nakobe Dean has the green dot on the #Eagles defense, per Nicholas Morrow.
Dean is calling the plays in his first year as a starter.
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) June 1, 2023
Jordan Davis embracing the maturation process
Davis was ready for a breakout as a rookie before suffering an ankle injury and he’s now returning in much better shape and maturation.
2022 first-round pick Jordan Davis:
“I’m maturing, growing into a bigger role. I definitely know what’s expected of me and I’m ready to reach those expectations.” pic.twitter.com/2BGGxsItyP
— Josh Tolentino (@JCTSports) June 1, 2023
