The Eagles are scheduled to return to the practice field this week to begin 2024 organized team activities.
The Eagles began their offseason workout program on April 15 and have already held rookie minicamp, but OTAs are the third phase of the NFL's offseason plan as established by the NFL and NFLPA's collective bargaining agreement. It is the beginning.
The Eagles have six OTA sessions scheduled for May 20, May 22-23, May 28, and May 30-31. A compulsory mini-camp will also be held from June 4th to 6th.
Here are some of the key storylines from this spring.
More time spent in the field
Teams are allowed to hold up to 10 OTA practices in Phase 3, and the Eagles have opted to schedule six such practices again this year. But the big difference in this season's spring schedule is the addition of mandatory minicamp.
If the Eagles actually hold their mandatory minicamp in June, it will be the first under head coach Nick Sirianni. The rest of the offseason is completely voluntary, but missing minicamp can actually result in a fine.
Sirianni previously said he was constantly evaluating his practice habits and would make changes if he deemed it appropriate. After last season's collapse, it makes sense to get more time on the field this spring with two new coordinators.
But before that mandatory camp, the Eagles have these six OTA sessions. Please note that Phase 3 will take place over the next four weeks. No live contact is allowed, but teams are allowed to practice 7-on-7, 9-on-7 and even 11-on-11.
2 new coordinators
After their epic collapse in 2023, the Eagles fired their offensive and defensive coordinators. Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie was clearly considering Sirianni's departure, but he chose to remain head coach and was impressed with Sirianni's plan to replace the coordinator. Since then, the Eagles have hired Vic Fangio and Kellen Moore to run their respective sides.
The Eagles have been the cornerstone of Fangio's defense for several seasons, but now they have a mastermind behind the scheme. The 65-year-old from Dunmore, Pennsylvania, said he hopes this is the end of his professional coaching journey. Even though many of the concepts are similar, it still requires installation and is a long-time NFL DC wanting to spend that time on their turf.
“I have to make do with what I have, but I will continue to try harder,” Fangio said of his limited schedule.
Offensively, the Eagles hired Kellen Moore, who previously served as offensive coordinator with the Chargers and Cowboys. While the 35-year-old Moore has been leading the offense, he and Sirianni have discussed philosophy, schemes and even a blend of terminology. We won't fully know what this offense will look like until training camp, but we may get some hints in the spring.
Battle for position
The competition for position will get even more intense in training camp, but it will likely start in OTAs. Here are a few to look out for.
Cornerbacks: The Eagles have 14 cornerbacks on their roster. The only thing we know for sure is that Darius Slay is the starter. Then, first-round pick Kunyon Mitchell has a good chance to be the starter in Week 1, but he has to prove it. There are a number of players vying for the few spots after roster lock, and the Eagles must figure out what to do with James Bradberry.
Right Guard: Last year's third-round pick, Tyler Steen, is the leading candidate to take the Eagles' right guard spot. The Eagles have slid Cam Jurgens to center, especially after Sua Opeta left in free agency, and Steen is the top-right left guard. However, the Eagles also brought in Matt Hennessey as an intellectual backup, and the Eagles took Trevor Keegan from Michigan State with a fifth-round pick. There's a good chance this won't actually be a competition, but that could change if Steen staggers.
WR3: The Eagles have one of the best receiver duos in the NFL in AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, but the WR3 spot is up for grabs. Quez Watkins, Julio Jones and Olamide Zachias are all gone, leaving veterans Parris Campbell and DeVante Parker and new players competing for the WR3 spot in draft picks Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson.
Tight End: Dallas Goedert returns as the Eagles' top tight end in 2024, but Jack Stoll left in free agency. That means there may only be two spots available for five players: Grant Calcaterra, CJ Uzomah, Albert Okwuegbunam, E.J. Jenkins and McCarran Castles.
Linebackers: Devin White and Nakobe Dean are expected to be selected as the Eagles' starting linebackers. But White is coming off a disappointing season in Tampa, and Dean is coming off an injury-plagued second season in the NFL. Behind them, the Eagles have Oren Burks, Ben VanSmeren, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Zach Baun and Brandon Smith.
welcome to philadelphia
Veterans have been visiting the NovaCare Complex all spring, but the OTA is the first chance to see some of the veterans on the field. As a result, all eyes will be on players like Saquon Barkley, Bryce Huff, and Devin White. It will also mark the return of CJ Gardner-Johnson after one season with the Detroit Lions.
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