The Philadelphia Eagles are transferring into “Phase Three” of their offseason exercise program with OTA practices starting on Tuesday, Might 26. There’s nonetheless no stay contact however 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills at the moment are permitted.
The Eagles will quickly maintain their first spring observe open to media entry and I’ll be down on the NovaCare Jefferson Well being Coaching Complicated to report again on my observations. Listed below are a number of the keys issues I’ll be watching out for.
1 – The Sean Mannion affect
How unhealthy was the Eagles’ offense final 12 months?
Dangerous sufficient that there was historic precedent for the crew to fireside their head coach.
Graphic by way of the PHLY Eagles podcast:
The Eagles determined to maintain Nick Sirianni one 12 months after successful the Tremendous Bowl, nevertheless, and as a substitute hearth his right-hand man, Kevin Patullo.
Changing him is new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, whom the Eagles made out there to media entry for the primary time final week. Provided that the crew isn’t actually overhauling their offensive personnel, they appear to be hoping that improved teaching goes to make an enormous distinction in 2026.
Mannion is basically an unknown and can largely stay that approach till the true video games begin. However at the least now we’ll get a glimpse of what the offense goes to appear to be below his path.
The early phrase is that the Mannion and Jalen Hurts relationship is off to a great begin, which is encouraging to listen to. It’ll be attention-grabbing to see if Mannion’s finger prints are immediately noticeable, akin to Hurts lining up extra usually below middle. And it’ll be attention-grabbing to see how Hurts fares in observe given these modifications.
Save for the Eagles’ obligatory minicamp from June 9-10, the crew’s offseason exercise program is voluntary. So, it’ll be attention-grabbing to see which gamers aren’t in attendance. It’d be fairly surprising if A.J. Brown, who’s broadly anticipated to be traded after June 1, exhibits up. DeVonta Smith has missed some spring practices lately whereas figuring out on his personal; to see if that is still the case or if he’ll be round this 12 months given Brown’s impending exit and Mannion’s arrival. The Eagles seemingly don’t have any gamers threatening to carry out attributable to contract disputes.
3 – Solutions to depth chart questions
These practices ought to provide some readability on the place sure positions stand.
What does the large receiver image appear to be? It was A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith as the highest two choices with the No. 3 man being a really distant third. That concentrate on distribution may change transferring ahead with Brown heading out. Who’re the Eagles’ new high three receivers? Is Makai Lemon taking first-team reps from the bounce? Does he must bide time behind veteran wideouts Dontayvion Wicks and/or Hollywood Brown? Will we see extra 4 large receiver units? Do any of the non-starters — akin to my man Darius Cooper — stand out?Who’s beginning at security? Vic Fangio already tipped the Eagles’ hand right here with him revealing that Cooper DeJean will play at security in base protection and Marcus Epps is the favourite to play on the again finish of the protection each time Coop is within the slot. With Andrew Mukuba doubtlessly not able to observe but, how will the Eagles deal with security reps? Does Michael Carter II really become involved on this battle? Is Andre’ Sam an element in any respect? How about rookie Cole Wisniewski, who went unmentioned by Fangio when the defensive coordinator was speaking in regards to the place? (Appeared to me like that was a mere oversight by Fangio, by the best way.)What’s happening with the inside offensive line? Howie Roseman will inform you that hope isn’t a technique however the Eagles are actually hoping that each Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens can get wholesome and again to their regular selves after struggling final 12 months. It’d be good to see these guys taking all of the reps and looking out good. It’ll even be essential to see what the depth is trying like behind the starters. Brett Toth was the highest backup inside offensive lineman final season and he ended up taking part in 34.44% of the Eagles’ offensive snaps. Drew Kendall may change him in that position this 12 months however Willie Lampkin, who’s in his first full offseason with the Eagles, might additionally consider.
Season-ending accidents presently of 12 months are particularly brutal. The Eagles can be hoping to keep away from these. However we’ll additionally get a take a look at any lingering accidents from final 12 months.
Fangio instructed that Jihaad Campbell will miss most, if not all, of the crew’s spring practices whereas recovering from shoulder surgical procedure. He did say that Campbell can be prepared for coaching camp, which is nice information.The aforementioned Andrew Mukuba completed his rookie season on injured reserve with a fractured ankle. Fangio lately mentioned of his standing: “He’s had a rehab-dominated offseason, but he’s been out there with us these last couple of weeks. He’s not 100% yet, but he will be soon.”Dickerson and Jurgens went to Medellín for stem cell therapy earlier this 12 months. We’ll see in the event that they’re in a position to totally take part in observe or if the Eagles look to handle their reps at this level within the offseason.Johnny Wilson missed the complete 2025 season attributable to knee and ankle accidents that he suffered in mid-August. It’s unclear if he’ll have the ability to totally take part in observe.Generally there are unreported accidents that pop up.
Relative to offseasons prior to now, the Eagles didn’t add a ton of star energy to the roster … partially as a result of they’re already fairly loaded. However they did notably commerce for Jonathan Greenard and Dontayvion Wicks along with signing Riq Woolen. It’ll be good to get a take a look at these additions. Wicks and Woolen particularly have the potential to face out in a glorified passing camp setting.
6 – The rookies, particularly on offense
The Eagles already held a rookie minicamp however now it’s time for his or her draft picks to be on the sector with veteran gamers.
Makai Lemon and Eli Stowers can be monitored intently. The Eagles appear to be anticipating prompt influence from Lemon, so, it’ll be particularly essential for him to look good on this observe setting. It’ll just a little troublesome if he’s a non-factor. Can be good to see him gelling with Hurts early on.
As for Stowers, he may not have an enormous position as a rookie regardless of being a second-round choose. Dallas Goedert remains to be right here and Stowers’ lack of blocking skill might imply different tight finish(s) will get on the sector forward of him (howdy, Johnny Mundt). We’ll see if Stowers will flash pass-catching skill.
In relation to the opposite rookies, I can’t think about Cole Payton will get many — if any — reps at quarterback when he has three passers forward of him. Given all of the speak about him doubtlessly having a Taysom Hill-type position, we’ll see if he’s utilized on particular groups in any respect (guessing he gained’t be).
Positive, I might’ve embody Bernard within the rookie part … however he’s such an enchanting challenge that he actually deserves his personal part. I imply, this week mark be his first-ever full NFL observe. Will his unbelievable athleticism translate from the bounce? Or will or not it’s clear that he wants loads of technical refinement as he tries to become an NFL defensive sort out?
8 – The sudden lengthy shot who pops
We don’t get this participant yearly however it might probably occur; earlier examples embody De’Vante Bausby and Christian Ellis. Neither ended up making a huge impact for the Eagles. Nonetheless, they entered spring practices as complete lengthy photographs on no person’s radar and generated some buzz to make them attention-grabbing to watch in coaching camp. We’ll see if anybody stands out this spring. Darius Cooper flashed just a bit bit final 12 months, which made me intrigued when he continued to take action in coaching camp early final 12 months. Undrafted rookie tight finish Dae’Quan Wright is somebody I’m keeping track of this offseason.
