Eagles Rumors: Latest Buzz, Players to Watch at Mandatory Minicamp
The Philadelphia Eagles were one of 10 teams across the league that kicked off their mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. Even though training camp is still a ways off there's plenty to breakdown given how many changes are taking place in Philly.
Both sides of the ball are getting new coordinators for the second consecutive offseason. Kellen Moore will be looking to install an offense that maximizes Jalen Hurts abilities. Vic Fangio will provide veteran leadership over a unit that is undergoing an overhaul in the secondary.
Things like the mandatory minicamp are going to provide some insight into how those installations are going and how players are adapting. As we go into the team's second day of minicamp, here's a look at the latest buzz surrounding a few players who are in for intriguing 2024 season.
Mekhi Becton Showing Versatility
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Philadelphia Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland is one of the best offensive line coaches in the league. Mekhi Becton has immense talent as a former first-round pick with a massive frame, but injuries and poor performance led him to sign a one-year, $2.8 million contract this offseason.
It could pay off big for both parties.
The Eagles are covered at the tackle positions. As long as Lane Johnson remains healthy they have one of the best tackle duos in the league.
However, Becton reportedly took snaps at left guard with the first-team offense on Tuesday, per Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Landon Dickerson was out with an excused absence and Zangaro noted that Stoutland has "touted Becton's versatility". He's played right tackle and filled in for Dickerson. That could be an indication that Becton is going to be team's sixth lineman.
Injuries are a virtual certainty throuhgout a 17-game season. The Eages will likely have to start a reserve lineman at some point throughout the season. If Stoutland is already thrusting Becton in with the ones when they have an absence that's a great sign.
It wouldn't be shocking for the coach to get the best out of the player and allow Becton to warn a multi-year contract with someone next offseason.
Working to Find Cooper DeJean a Home on Defense
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The question of where Cooper DeJean will line up on Sundays was littered throughout his pre-draft process. When he was drafted by the Eagles after they took Quinyon Mitchell in the first round, the question became even louder.
Ultimately, DeJean has the versatility to work as an outside corner in a zone-heavy defense. He could also be a weapon in the slot. Transitioning to a safety role is also in the cards.
But all of that is theoretical. The reality is that most rookies have to start with one role and go from there. Becoming a Swiss Army Knife might ultimately be where his career goes, but it's nearly impossible to do that right away.
The Eagles coaching staff realizes that and will spend some of this camp trying to figure out where to play him at first.
"We're kind of in that process now," defensive passing game coordinator Christian Parker said, per Brooks Kubena of The Athletic. "We've moved him around a little bit. He can handle it mentally. And I think as we move on through this phase right now when going into training camp, then he'll have a home. But he's playing corner, he's playing nickel, he's handling those things well. We'll continue to put more on his plate and see how he handles it."
Kubena goes on to note that DeJean played mostly outside corner in the first OTAs, but played a lot more nickel during the second session.
Where he plays in the minicamp will be notable.
James Bradberry's Rough Start and Potential Move to Safety
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Cooper DeJean isn't the only defensive back who might be changing positions. James Bradberry could be in for a new role after a rough 2023 campaign.
Bradberry's play plummeted last season, giving up 11 touchdowns and a passer rating of 114.3 when targeted. The Eagles were obviously happy to bring in competition for his cornerback spot, drafting Quinyon Mitchell and DeJean.
However, his contract makes him a difficult player to move this year. The only way to save cap space and move on from him is to trade him and finding a buyer might be difficult given his age and production.
A creative way to make him an asset for the defense again is a position change. Tim McManus of ESPN reported that NIck Sirianni noted that Bradberry would be working at safety during minicamp.
Unfortunately, that experiment might have to wait until later in the summer. Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports reported that Bradberry's day only lasted a few minutes before an injury took him out of the practice.
A position change is a good idea that might work out for both parties, but we'll have to wait to see what it looks like.
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