OTA’s are finally upon us. The NovaCare Complex will open its doors to a shorter than usual OTA period for the Philadelphia Eagles, but that doesn’t mean it lacks importance. There are so many narratives to keep an eye on this offseason, but there are players beneath the surface who will be fighting for a roster spot this summer. Here are five players who need to start the workouts with a bang.
Arryn Siposs
The Eagles don’t have a dire need at punter, but it’s hardly the strongest spot on the roster. Letting Cam Johnston go was a mistake and Siposs backed that up with a wobbly 2021 campaign that saw him average only 43.9 yards per punt, with only 17 of 68 landing inside the opposing 20. It wasn’t good enough and was a far cry from the stunning form from Cam in 2020.
If Siposs struggles in OTA’s, it’s hard to imagine the Eagles waiting all summer to ignite a punting competition. I get it, it’s not exactly a spicy quarterback war…but it could be a vital battle in the grander scheme of things.
Marcus Epps
The Eagles were very hesitant to pull the trigger on a safety this offseason. They went through the draft, free agency, and even post-draft opportunities with their hands tied and their eyes on Marcus Epps.
I am of the belief that Epps provides the Eagles with a niche skillset that will complement Anthony Harris and the rest of the defense. But a slow start to OTA’s may push Howie’s hand toward the magical trade phone once again, with names like Jessie Bates III being dangled.
Andre Dillard
It’s a contract year for the former first-round pick and the Eagles probably won’t be picking up his option. This makes sense, as to why they didn’t trade him.
As of right now, there are some developmental names at tackle who aren’t quite at his level just yet. Brett Toth and Jack Driscoll both showed huge leaps in development though and if they carry on that trend, it may prompt Roseman to cash in on Dillard while he can before letting him walk into free agency at the end of the year.
Dillard not only has to prove his worth to the Eagles, but to 31 other teams around the league who may be looking for a reliable young backup.
Jalen Hurts
It goes without saying that Jalen Hurts needs to ball out this year. He’s in a picture-perfect situation and coming off a year that will divide even the most eloquent analysts. He’s still got a long way to go in his journey as a passer, and that journey starts with a few small steps this spring. We need to see Hurts generating some momentum, looking accurate on those deeper passes, and hopefully a conceited effort to step up in the pocket and make a throw.
Isaac Seumalo
Seumalo, like Dillard, is also in a contract year. Unlike Dillard, he’s been a starter since 2018…at least, when healthy. Seumalo is a talented and versatile guard, but with Landon Dickerson locking down one side of the line, the Eagles have to hope for a full 16-game slate from the Oregon State product – something he hasn’t been able to provide since 2019. With developmental talent now in the wings behind him, Seumalo knows this is his last chance to earn another extension in Philadelphia, or garner interest for a future elsewhere. OTA’s is where he can assert his authority.
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Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
