The Philadelphia Eagles conducted their first Mandatory Minicamp of the offseason today down at the NovaCare Complex. This also marked the first Mandatory Minicamp the Eagles have ran since 2018, with the team embracing a new mentality to ensure the collapse of 2023 isn’t repeated.
Here are the key takeaways from another day down on the practice field.
Kelee Ringo shines
Much has been said about the Eagles’ secondary this offseason. Regardless of how you feel about the starting tandem, it’s hard to disagree with the notion that the team is stacked with young talent. One of the feisty young corners vying for a bigger role in Fangio’s defense is second-year Georgia product, Kelee Ringo, who stole the spotlight on Tuesday.
It’s unclear what kind of role Ringo will have in 2024 with Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean now in the fold, so getting off to a hot start this offseason was imperative. Ringo has certainly done that, but he’ll need to sustain it in order to fend off the competition and secure a rotational role in Vic Fangio’s scheme.
A closer look at the Eagles’ Linebacker picture
The Eagles’ linebacker picture is an intriguing one. The move to a 3-4 defense presented plenty of questions for the Birds to answer this offseason and although there were no marquee signings at the position, both new additions seem to be settling into their new roles nicely.
We haven’t heard much noise from Nakobe Dean throughout the Spring workouts, largely because of him nursing a foot injury, which is something worth keeping an eye on as the Summer draws closer. With that said, it is encouraging to see Zack Baun continuing to draw looks with the starters. The former Saints linebacker has plenty of growing room when it comes to defensive play and he appears to be taking all the right steps early on.
Jeff Stoutland works his magic
With Landon Dickerson absent this week, the Eagles decided to trial newly-acquired LT Mehki Becton at LG. The former Jets’ first-rounder is somewhat of a reclamation project for Philadelphia, and Jeff Stoutland has wasted no time in getting stuck in.
If the Eagles and get Becton back to his best, they’ll have a fringe-level starter at a huge discount. If they can add some versatility to his arsenal, he could be a valuable piece to this offensive line for several seasons.
Other secondary notes
It very much feels like it was a day for the defense this afternoon. Vic Fangio decided to flirt with some new looks, putting rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell at the nickel spot for a stint to see how he fared.
This likely came as a result of James Bradberry exiting practice early with what appeared to be a minor knock, prompting a few changes. What’s interesting is that Nick Sirianni stated that the veteran corner had been taking reps at safety throughout the spring. His future with the team is a mystery, but if he too can prove he can play multiple spots, it only boosts his chances of retaining a short-term future in the City of Brotherly Love.
Finally, Isaiah Rodgers continue to turn heads. The former Indianapolis Colt has been one of the real winners of the spring workout program and there is every reason for fans to be excited about his early progress.
As aforementioned, there is somewhat of a logjam at cornerback, but if Rodgers can stay hot deep into Training Camp, he should absolutely be in-line to play a role in Vic Fangio’s defense.
AP Photo/Derik Hamilton
