Another week, another OTA practice open to the media. Preparations for a title defense are well underway for the Philadelphia Eagles and the roster battles are beginning to heat up. What did we learn today? Here’s everything you need to know.
A change of heart:
Seumalo took snaps at center last week and that seems to be a trend that will continue deep into the offseason. At least if today’s OTA practice was anything to go by.
Eagles are having Seumalo snap the ball to the offense in 7 on 7 once again.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) May 29, 2018
The Eagles at least seem intrigued by the idea and the former Oregon lineman does have the skillset to at least back up Jason Kelce if needed. Not only that, but the arrival of versatile lineman, Matt Pryor, make force Seumalo out of the equation if he fails to show any signs of improvement in offseason number three. I’ll be diving into this a little deeper later in the week, but this will be a narrative worth keeping a close eye on.
Corner’back’s to the wall:
The Eagles are touted to have a vicious secondary competition this offseason, with vacancies at the starting nickel role and depth safety spots. We’ve seen offseason heroes such as Aaron Grymes come and go, but there’s a new underdog in town that seems intent on throwing his hat into the mix.
Bausby with a leaping pass breakup on a Foles throw to Agholor over the middle. Almost set up a pick. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) May 29, 2018
De'Vante Bausby saw a lot of reps inside in nickel. I spoke about him last week as a player that stood out. He did so again today. It's going to be an intense competition for the #Eagles secondary.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) May 29, 2018
This is the second week in a row in which Bausby has turned heads. This time, he saw a lot of reps at a nickel spot that could well be his for the taking. Sure, there will be stiff competition, but if the Pittsburg State product can continue to make some waves, there’s no reason why he can’t take the fight to the bigger names on the roster, especially as Training Camp and preseason play draw closer and closer.
Goedert goes off:
There has been plenty of excitement surrounding the Eagles rookie and with good reason. Perhaps the most athletic receiving tight end in his class, Goedert could prove to be a second round steal for the Eagles. He’s wasting no time in showing what he can do, either.
Rookie TE Dallas Goedert is having a solid day. Making catches in traffic. Running good routes working the middle of field. #Eagles Very sure handed pass catcher.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) May 29, 2018
With the dominant Zach Ertz as a mentor, Goedert has a ceiling that is sky-high. Fans are already counting down the days until they see him in action during Training Camp and the early signs point towards the South Dakota State star stealing the spotlight.
Safety battle:
Tre Sullivan was one of last offseason’s biggest standouts and he returns with a vengeance this year. It’s open season at the safety position and with Jeremy Reaves breathing down his neck, the former Baltimore Raven has hit the ground running once again.
Tre Sullivan put a big pop on Donnel Pumphrey after the RB ran his way. He’s a physical dude. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) May 29, 2018
Tre Sullivan with the INT. Came down and stole one on a seam route. Good hands catch.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) May 29, 2018
If there’s one thing Schwartz loves in his safeties, it’s physicality. Sullivan has that in abundance and will be gunning for a key role on this defense as the offseason rolls on.
Sudfeld’s supremacy:
This is important. The Eagles bought in former Packers QB,Joe Callahan as an extra offseason arm, but he has the potential to unseat Sudfeld, the team’s current QB3. Well, at least on the surface.
Sudfeld with a real nice strike to a leaping Philly Goedert over the middle of the field. Multiple defenders in the area. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) May 29, 2018
Nate Sudfeld is dealing today. Nice drop shot to Billy Brown on a corner route. Then threw a strike in a tight spot to Agholor on a seam route.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) May 29, 2018
Bryce Treggs with a nice diving catch. Sudfeld zipped it in there, no chance for the D to make a play on it. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) May 29, 2018
Nate Sudfeld has not been very sharp during the two practices that have been open to the media #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) May 29, 2018
Sudfeld has a year of schematic experience under his belt, not to mention a chemistry advantage, but that hasn’t stopped him from shining in the opening phases of OTA’s. Just days after Mack Hollins referred to him as a potential future MVP, Sudfeld walked into the NovaCare Complex and started slinging it with confidence. If Wentz does miss substantial Training Camp time, expect the former Redskins QB to see a huge bulk of reps and make the most of them.
Mailata’s Mountain:
Rugby star Jordan Mailata has plenty of eyes on him and rightly so. His physical prowess draws plenty of attention and his lack of Football experience draws plenty of it from coaches.
Tra Thomas and Jason Peters talking to Jordan Mailata on the side during special teams work now. That's two legendary LTs right there for him to learn from. Vaitai is there too. #Eagles
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) May 29, 2018
This has been a recurring theme now, but the Eagles are quite happy to invest every resource possible into getting Mailata as up to speed as possible this offseason. There’s a lot to take in, but he has a dream support system to climb that Mountain.
Mac-Attack:
There’s no real analysis needed here, just Mack Hollins doing Mack Hollins things.
Mack Hollins one-hand catch. #Eagles pic.twitter.com/XyTg4ovHW0
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) May 29, 2018
#BreakoutSZN
Linebacker limbo:
The Eagles notably have an absence of depth at linebacker, but is it really an issue? That’s a question for another article, but it has opened the door to some interesting talents. One of those players is Nate Gerry. The hybrid S/LB saw time with the first team defense today.
Nate Gerry in with the first-team defense #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) May 29, 2018
This is big for Gerry, who earned his late-season defensive snaps after a grueling year on special teams in which he fought hard to stand out. With the skillset to fill the ‘homing missile’ role currently inhibited by Malcolm Jenkins, this is a big offseason for the former Nebraska standout.
Special teams:
The Eagles lost a lot of special teams depth this offseason, especially in the returns area. But don’t fret, Duce Staley has a new lottery based game to find the next explosive returner.
Best drill of OTAs so far. It’s like musical chairs, but Duce Staley calls out a number, and that guy has to run and field the punt. pic.twitter.com/HGQW3ogg0G
— Sheil Kapadia (@SheilKapadia) May 29, 2018
Agholor, Treggs, Pumphrey back as punt returners #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) May 29, 2018
It’s interesting seeing Pumphrey and Agholor being listed as punt returners. Pumphrey struggled hugely in that area during preseason last year and although he’s come back much thicker, it will be very fun to see if he can provide the explosive injection into the return game that the Eagles are craving.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
