Football is finally back in action and of course this means that the Eagles are now in the spotlight. About 20 will open OTAs today and that just happens to included the Eagles. Philadelphia will have three OTAs this week: Tuesday, May 27th, Wednesday, the 28th, and Friday, the 30th. The following week, the team will have two more on June 2nd and 3rd, followed by their only mandatory minicamp a week later, which will be held on June 10th.
The Birds have a few positions that are still up for grabs, and this is the first week where someone could bring attention to themselves and start securing a starting job.
What To Look For:
Right Guard
Kenyon Green vs Tyler Steen, with a sleeper candidate, Drew Kendall, having a chance to showcase what he can do as a guard. Drew was arguably one of the better true center prospects in the draft, but as Eagles fans have seen in the past (recently with Cam Jurgens), where a player received his offensive line snaps in college or with others means little to the Philadelphia coaching brass. It will be interesting to see if UDFA Hollin Pierce plays some snaps inside.
The DB Room
At cornerback, you should keep an eye on Kelee Ringo vs Adoree’ Jackson, with Eli Ricks fighting for a shot to start opposite of Quinyon Mitchell.
As for the safety position, Andrew Mukuba vs Sydney Brown for the right to start with Reed Blankeship while Triston McCollum will battle with Andre’ Sam, Lewis Cine and Maxen Hook for a spot on the roster.
Watching Quinyon Mitchell evolve into a leader, as the veteran voice amongst the corners is now gone, Darius Slay, will be a fascinating sub-plot this season. He is the undisputed CB1 on the roster, and his play, words, and actions will set the tone for the others.
The Running Backs
Saquon Barkley will likely not be doing anything. Will Shipley was RB3 last season and will be fighting with A.J. Dillon for RB2 this year. If Dillon is healthy and stays that way this season, he will be an intriguing option to spell Saquon. Sa-Quad and Quad-Zila playing together on the same team is not something I had ever imagined.
Edge Rushers
With the loss of Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham, all eyes will be on the newcomers, Josh Uche and Azeez Ojulari.
Bryce Huff will have to earn snaps, and possibly even a spot on the roster. Many assume he is a lock due to his contract, but I don’t.
Eagles new OC and franchise QB
Kevin Patullo and Jalen Hurts will be adjusting to one another, but the transition should not be difficult. They will run a similar offense, and if anyone is used to the challenges of learning the cadences and nuances of a new offensive coordinator, it is Jalen Hurts. This will be his tenth OC in as many years.
Linebackers
Baun will be the leader in the LB room, and the biggest question will be who practices opposite him. First-round pick Jihaad Campbell has been recovering from shoulder surgery and will not participate. Nakobe Dean is also on the mend from a late-season injury. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Smael Mondon Jr. should dominate the inside linebacker snaps, with Dallas Gant and Lance Dixon fighting for some looks.
Eagles fans will have to wait to see and read about how electric Jihaad is in practice this summer.
Which Eagles’ UDFAs could contribute in 2025?
Maxen Hook, Safety, Toledo, UDFA, was a player the consensus had a draftable grade on. The Eagles have a lot of intel due to HC Nick Sirianni & Toledo HC Jason Candle being roommates at Mt Union. Maxen & Quinyon were roommates and close friends in College. Maxen has game and could push for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Brandon Johnson, DB, Oregon, Duke transfer, played 14 games for the Ducks in 2024. He tallied 45 tackles, five PBUs, and 4.5 TFLs last season.
B.J. Mayes, DB, Texas A&M. BJ led the Aggies with 4 INTs. Mayes also spent a season with UAB and led the team with 10 pass breakups.
Taylor Morin, WR, Wake Forest 2,974 yards, second all-time in school history in receptions (227), fourth in touchdowns (21). Morin has big play return ability!
Darius Cooper, WR, Tarleton State, 3,185 yards and 29 touchdowns, averaging 19.4 yards per catch.
Lance Dixon, LB, Toledo. A WVU transfer who tallied 46 tackles and 2 FF last year. A former safety who transitioned to LB and oozes with potential.
Montrell Johnson Jr, RB, Florida, 2,251 yards and 21 touchdowns during his three seasons with Florida.
ShunDerrick Powell, RB, Central Arkansas 1,343 yards last season, 100 yards in eight out of 11 games.
Hollin Pierce, OT, out of Rutgers, is a player I thought would be a perfect fit for the Eagles and Stoutland U for months during the draft process. I projected & mocked the Eagles selecting him as early as RD4/5. He has the traits that can transform him into an NFL starter.
As always, thank you for reading!
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Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
