Well, that’s it. The Eagles are out for the Summer after drawing Mandatory Minicamp to a close earlier today. While Carson Wentz looks set to bring many of the team’s wideouts and tight ends to North Dakota between now and Training Camp to work out, we won’t see the Birds back on the field until Training Camp begins in August. So, here are the ten things you need to know from today’s action.
Absentees:
There were still a few absentees for the final day of practice. Nick Foles is expecting the birth of his child (and hasn’t become a Baby), while Jordan Matthews and Destiny Vaeao were held out with injuries. DGB’s setback yesterday was confirmed as a foot injury, which kept the receiver out of practice also.
No DGB (foot), Jordan Matthews (knee), Destiny Vaeao (calf), Nick Foles (baby) at practice today #Eagles
— Ed Kracz (@kracze) June 15, 2017
Wentz wins the day:
It’s been a bumpy rollercoaster ride for Carson Wentz this offseason, but it’s safe to say Minicamp has seen him rising up the tallest climb so far. The young quarterback continued to impress after some consistent performances over the last few days.
Carson Wentz caught a high snap over his head one-handed and immediately rifled it to Zach Ertz for a TD. Kinda impressive. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) June 15, 2017
Carson Wentz caught a high snap over his head one-handed and immediately rifled it to Zach Ertz for a TD. Kinda impressive. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) June 15, 2017
Again, it’s still probably a little too early to claim whether Wentz is going to win an MVP award this year, but it’s great to see a real sense of development. After a rocky start, he’s been able to fight through and really find his rhythm before the team break up for a Summer break. Growth is the most important aspect of this offseason and it’s encouraging to see Wentz doing just that.
A newcomer to the nickel battle:
One of the most consistent standouts of the offseason so far has been former CFL standout Aaron Grymes. His hard work was rewarded today as he was handed first team reps in the final practice. Not only did he earn the reps, but he certainly made the most of them.
Aaron Grymes getting a lot of first team reps in nickel. Might be their best option bumping inside.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 15, 2017
Some more big plays and a sense of reliance have earned Grymes a spot in a new positional battle, that of the starting nickel corner. As it stands, Patrick Robinson and Ron Brooks are the lead contenders, with Mills moving inside at other times…but a new underdog may have just entered the fray as Training Camp looms.
Gerry flashes in last chance to impress:
It’s been a slightly quieter offseason than hoped for when it comes to Nate Gerry. The former Nebraska Safety has transitioned to linebacker but largely fell under the radar…until today.
Nice INT by Nate Gerry. McGloin tried to sneak one over him to a crossing route. He jumped up and picked it off.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 15, 2017
Nate Gerry almost had another pick six. Jumped a short route but the ball went through his hands. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) June 15, 2017
Seeing Gerry flash in his new role is encouraging, especially given how little experience he’s had inside the box. The ball-hawk instincts are as present ever…which stands very well for a team in need of coverage LB depth.
Agholor ends just as he started, confidently:
It’s been an incredibly strong OTA campaign for Agholor so far. From day one until the final snap, it’s safe to say the USC product has been a surprise to many and benefitted from the offseason changes and the slot responsibilities in the absence of Jordan Matthews.
It's clear that the #Eagles are still bullish on Agholor by all the work he's getting. It's also clear he's making progress.
— Nick Fierro (@NickFierro) June 15, 2017
Good job by Agholor. Created space with an outside move against Grymes and went up to catch the ball on a quick post from Wentz.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 15, 2017
Another nice grab by Agholor. Caught the square in route. Snatched it out of the air in front of the LB. Nice shot by Wentz over the middle
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 15, 2017
The grass is finally looking greener for Agholor. If he can keep this momentum driving into Training Camp, then we may finally begin to see the receiver he was destined to become.
The Green Goblin returns, but his finger wag doesn’t…yet:
Jalen Mills has flashed some days and been a little quieter on others. Today was one of the good ones as the second year corner was able to break up a redzone play during a 7-on-7. But as Turron Davenport noted, no finger wags yet.
Jalen Mills with the past break up in red zone 7 on 7. Knocked down the slant to Ertz. No finger wag
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 15, 2017
I think it’s become such a staple of his game that we almost expected it to return. However this was the last day of drills on a light-hearted practice against teammates…there probably wasn’t as much incentive to make a statement as usual.
Pump it up!
If there’s one rookie who has really made the most of the offseason so far, it’s Donnel Pumphrey. The SDSU star has simply been used everywhere, all the time…and today was no different.
#Eagles have Pumphrey do so many different things. RB, WR, KR, PR. All over the field
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) June 15, 2017
I like that Eagles are getting a look at Pumphrey on stretch plays. Takes advantage of his speed to get outside and quickness to cutback
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 15, 2017
Pumphrey appears to be a big part of the Eagles offensive plans moving forward and has only seen his role blossom since arriving for OTA’s.
Dorenbos has sprinkled his magic into the playbook…
Well, it wouldn’t be an Eagles minicamp without some kind of wizardry or experimentation. How about a 20-yard pass from Darren Sproles? Work your magic, Jon!
Eagles having a little fun at practice. Darren Sproles just took a hand off and threw a 20yd pass to Trey Burton.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 15, 2017
Okay, so maybe it was Doug Pederson, but it’s nice to see the Eagles letting their hair down a little after what’s been an extremely intense period.
Let the Safety wars begin!
I don’t want to get into this too much as I will be breaking this down in much more depth soon, but it’s safe to say that there is a battle at the Safety spot after all…the one currently inhabited by Jaylen Watkins.
Jaylen Watkins drops what should have been an easy wide open pick. Terrence Brooks has outplayed him this spring, IMO. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) June 15, 2017
Terrence Brooks has had a really strong Spring, building on his interception against the Giants and learning under Malcolm Jenkins, the former Raven is set to cause a few surprises during Training Camp…and it’s fair to assume that Watkins will need a big showing next month to retain his current spot.
The underdog you shouldn’t overlook:
If there’s one wide receiver who deserves more attention, it’s Marcus Johnson. I would very much consider Johnson as the Aaron Grymes of the WR position. Consistently making plays, loved by the coaching staff and was finally given an opportunity with the firsts today. Like Grymes, he also flashed.
Marcus Johnson getting plenty of reps with Wentz. Made nice catch in front of Mills who collided with Johnson, knocking him down. Held ball
— Ed Kracz (@kracze) June 15, 2017
Johnson did just enough last year to earn a spot on the Eagles practice squad, despite missing valuable time due to injury. It’s very much a case of making up for lost time now for the former UDFA, and he looks like a man on the path to redemption.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
