Philadelphia Eagles OTAs: The battle for WR3 and more begins
The Philadelphia Eagles' offseason is well underway, with phase three kicking off today. Phase three of the nine-week offseason program is known as "OTAs" (organized team activities) and the Eagles have six OTA dates scheduled: May 20, May 22-23, May 28, and May 30-31. No live contact is permitted during this phase, however, 7-on-7, 9-on-7, […]
The Philadelphia Eagles' offseason is well underway, with phase three kicking off today.
Phase three of the nine-week offseason program is known as "OTAs" (organized team activities) and the Eagles have six OTA dates scheduled: May 20, May 22-23, May 28, and May 30-31.
No live contact is permitted during this phase, however, 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are allowed.
NFL veterans do not have to attend OTAs, though you can expect many Eagles vets to show face under a new coaching staff.
OTAs are also the start of position battles, and the Eagles have some that fans will want to keep an eye on.
Battle at Wide Receiver No. 3
The Eagles' No. 1 and No. 2 wide receivers are set in stone with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith leading the room after signing massive extensions this offseason.
But who gets the No. 3 wide receiver job is to be determined.
The Eagles signed Parris Campbell and DeVante Parker in NFL free agency and added rookies Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Smith likely won't get to participate at the start of OTAs since he is still making his way back from a stress fracture and the Eagles are taking extra precautions.
That means 6-foot-6 Johnny Wilson could be one step ahead of him, though he'll still be up against experienced guys Campbell and Parker.
Battle at Linebacker
The Eagles' linebacker position is possibly the biggest question mark this offseason.
They signed Devin White in free agency and third-year linebacker Nakobe Dean is returning from two foot injuries. Both are expected to start, but that might not end up being the case.
This offseason the Eagles also added Zach Baun, Oren Burks,and drafted Jeremiah Trotter Jr. — son of Eagles Hall of Fame linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Sr. Ben VanSumeren and Brandon Smith return as well.
Battle at Cornerback
The Eagles drafted cornerback Quiyon Mitchell in the first round and Cooper DeJean in the second round of this year's draft.
They now have 14 cornerbacks on their roster:
- Darius Slay
- James Bradberry
- Avonte Maddox
- Mekhi Garner
- Mario Goodrich
- Quinyon Mitchell
- Cooper DeJean
- Isaiah Rodgers
- Tyler Hall
- Kelee Ringo
- Eli Ricks
- Josh Jobe
- Zech McPhearson
- Shon Stephens
Darius Slay's starting job is safe, but it's rumored that the Eagles are looking to trade or cut James Bradberry post-June 1. Mitchell is projected to start opposite Slay, though it will be interesting to see what the team does with Cooper.
Shon Stephens is a UDFA who recently signed with the Eagles and ultimately could end up making the roster if he performs well.
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