The Eagles returned to the NovaCare Complex to kick off the next phase of their offseason program, Mandatory Minicamp. This is the first time that the whole team have practiced together since the end of last season, but it was like they had never been away. It was back to business for the Eagles on Tuesday. Here’s everything you need to know.
Breakin’ a sweat…kind of:
Josh Sweat had another blistering day in the Sun today, turning heads and blasting past his opposition en-route to the Eagles quarterbacks. Lining up with the second-team, the former FSU pass-rusher looked to find his groove early on.
Josh Sweat just came shooting in off the edge from Joe Callahan's blind side. In an actual game, Callahan may not have made it given how clean if a shot Sweat had on him.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 12, 2018
However, these dominant flurries did occur when he lined up against Jordan Mailata, the freaky athletic rugby star who is still trying to get to grips with the NFL. He has all of the tools in the world at his disposal and the development of both players should be worth keeping an eye on as camp progresses. Either way, the burst and explosiveness of Sweat has the potential to wreak havoc for the Eagles starters as it does for Mailata.
Agholor shines:
Last year’s breakout star wasted no time in getting back to the grind. Nelson Agholor, who recently had his fifth-year option picked up by the team, picked up exactly where he left off at the end of last season.
Foles threads one to Nelson Agholor on a deep arrow route for a long catch in traffic. #Eagles
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 12, 2018
Nelson Agholor with another long catch. Got behind the defense and caught it as Nigel Bradham tried to run him down.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 12, 2018
Excitement is at an all-time high for the former first-round pick, who exploded onto the scene last year and went on to enjoy a stunning season in which he truly emerged as a top receiving threat for both Carson Wentz and Nick Foles. Signs of excellence and a strong catch radius early on, only vindicate those claims.
Anything you can do, I can do better:
In every offseason recap this far, I’ve noted the QB3 battle and with good reason. Joe Callahan won’t want to be heading out of the door as quickly as he came in, but to earn a place on the roster he will need to dethrone Nate Sudfeld, who understandably won’t be handing that role over easily.
Sudfeld just had really nice back to back passes in 11s. He’s been great the last few practices #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) June 12, 2018
Sudfeld to Markus Wheaton for back to back TDs in red zone 7 on 7. Joe Callahan follows by squeezing a throw to Bryce Treggs for a TD on a quick slant.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 12, 2018
Studfeld floats a beauty of a pass to Philly Goedert for a TD. Jeremy Reaves got beat trying to cover him 1 on 1. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) June 12, 2018
The duo continue to scrap it out, showing off accuracy and vision. Until the pads go on, there’s only so much we can take away…but early signs point towards a heavily competitive quarterback war from top to bottom.
‘Darby’ day:
I really need to find some better puns for the Eagles cornerback, but Darby had a very productive day at the NovaCare Complex.
Darby with another leaping pass breakup on a deep attempt from Foles. Very active today. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) June 12, 2018
Nice defensive by Ronald Darby. Ran with Mike Wallace on a post from Foles. Jumped up and broke it up. #Eagles
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 12, 2018
There’s a lot of uncertainty over the long-term future of Darby, but proving he’s the unquestioned CB1 and eliminating himself from potential trade scenarios will be the goal this offseason. So far, so good.
The underdog takes center stage:
With Sidney Jones absent, it was DeVante Bausby who took the first-team reps at nickel and once again flashed that hungry attitude that is cherished by DB coach, Cory Undlin. Bausby is forcing his name into contention not only for significant preseason snaps, but to make the final 53 and maybe, just maybe, even fight for that starting nickel role. There’s a long way to go, but he’s maximizing every opportunity.
Passing the torch:
Darren Sproles and Donnel Pumphrey were both at practice today and with both running backs having a chip on their shoulder that will fuel the drive to put a ring on their finger, it didn’t stop Darren Sproles from being the ultimate teammate.
#Eagles RB Darren Sproles fielded a few punts at the start of practice but spent a lot of time talking and working with Donnel Pumphrey.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 12, 2018
Pumphrey notably struggled last offseason and with the help of one of the best dual-threat backs to ever play the game, he may be poised for a huge comeback season.
Sullivan settles the score:
The battle for the third safety spot is also one worth paying close attention to. Jeremy Reaves and Tre Sullivan have been juking it out for a while, but it was Sullivan who had the upper hand today.
S Tre Sullivan has looked good today. He’s notched a few pass breakups and almost snagged an INT. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) June 12, 2018
After spending a year with the Eagles, Sullivan is poised to capitalize on the schematic experience, while Reaves adjusts to the pacing of the game at the professional level. The duo have both shown big flashes of potential, but when the pads go on is when we’ll really see how close this battle could become.
It’s like he never Wentz away:
We all love watching Carson Wentz, especially his rehab. It’s crazy to think that in week 14, this man tore his ACL and yet here he is, moving around like he’s never been away.
Carson Wentz avoiding pass rush from some tennis balls. Defensive ends will he inserted via CGI later. #Eagles pic.twitter.com/WGSSOpHBRu
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) June 12, 2018
Carson Wentz going through drills #Eagles pic.twitter.com/nAuJXfIoJs
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) June 12, 2018
Wentz immediately bounces back with a bullet in a tight window to Nelson Agholor. Great catch. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) June 12, 2018
Sure, he may have had an up-and-down day, but to see Wentz take such massive strides can only be seen as a positive.
A starting battle after all?
Jay Ajayi may be the heart of the Eagles backfield, but there’s one former UDFA who will be chipping at his heels. Corey Clement’s ruthless mentality has carried over into his second offseason, just 12 months after he displaced Wendell Smallwood with an emphatic offseason effort.
Corey Clement is (obviously) so much farther ahead than this time last year. Keeps running today like he’s gonna lose his job.
— John Barchard | Monetize Philly (@JohnBarchard) June 12, 2018
Ajayi’s long-term future is uncertain and if Clement can consistently force the rest of the world to pay attention, there’s no reason why that wouldn’t be subject to change. Clement would provide some sustainability in the bigger picture and if he’s showing this much effort in Minicamp, we can only imagine how explosive he’s going to be with pads on.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
