Observations From Eagles OTA’s

The Eagles concluded the next-to-final phase of their offseason when they completed their OTA practices.  The mandatory portion of the OTA's begin next week, the final portion of the offseasOn workouts before training camp opens in July.

With all the White House noise behind them, Doug Pederson attempted to shut all the controversy down, and said he felt the team is united.

"We're a team," Pederson said.  "It's been that way since I've been here."

Let’s review some of the observations from OTAs.

• When the Eagles drafted Sidney Jones in the second round last year, many thought he was a first round talent and would fit right in when ready. From what we saw in the OTAs, that could still be the case. Jones looks great, but where will he fit in, as an outside corner, or in the slot? Rasual Douglas has improved, and Ronald Darby and Jalen Mills give the Eagles one of the deepest cornerback groups in the league.

• Running back was a deep position last year, but the group will have a different look this season. The backfield looks deep again but it could actually be better. Last year’s group featured LeGarrette Blount sharing reps with Jay Ajayi and Corey Clement. This offseason, Blount left for Detroit, and the Eagles brought back Darren Sproles, who is back healthy and adds a new dimension to the backfield. Plus you can expect to see more of Clement this season.

• The defensive line might be better than last season. Michael Bennett replaced Vinny Curry and Haloti Ngata replaced Beau Allen to give the Eagles two upgrades on the defensive line. Brandon Graham is working his way back from a ankle injury (though he should be ready for training camp) that he underwent surgery on May 1, and remains in a walking boot.  They still can use Derek Barrnet, who they expect to take a big step formward, along with Chris Long and fourth-round choice Josh Sweat.

• Mike Wallace looks fine at Torrey Smith’s old position at wide receiver. There was some questions if the 32-year old deep-ball specialist, would be able to display that ability, but it looks like he should be an upgrade over Smith, after averaging 14.4 yards per catch last season. Wallace should be joined by second-year pro Mack Hollins, who continues to develop into a deep threat.

• A name to keep an eye on is De'Vante Bausby, he has taken plenty of reps at the slot corner position and could be in the mix to take over that position with Patrick Robinson now in New Orleans.