PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Eagles should feel good about their roster following the conclusion of the offseason program.
The team wrapped up the offseason with a three-day minicamp that featured several highlights and standouts.
As the Eagles plan for the next phase of the roster-building process, the team’s depth on paper is as strong as they could ask for. Still, the front office will work diligently during the break to add even more talent to the roster.
Here are six thoughts on the roster following mandatory minicamp:
1. DeSean Jackson makes the offense so much more dynamic.
Yes, it’s only the offseason program. Yes, there is only minimal contact. Yes, Carson Wentz can’t be hit.
Still, the connection and timing between Wentz and Jackson has been on point throughout the offseason program. Eagles coach Doug Pederson pointed out that Jackson spent the entire offseason in Philadelphia working with Wentz. Their chemistry could benefit the rest of the offensive playmakers, as opposing defenses will need to respect their connection. Tight ends Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert and fellow starting wide receivers Nelson Agholor and Alshon Jeffery could have more room to run with safety coverage focusing on Jackson.
2. Avonte Maddox needs to be on the field.
The second-year defensive back was an absolute playmaker during the open workouts of the offseason program. While he rotated back-and-forth from nickel to outside cornerback, Maddox had his opponents locked down with consistency. Maddox produced two interceptions and also collected a handful of pass breakups during the seven open practices. While the safety position probably won’t be an option, Maddox needs to be starting somewhere in Week One.
3. The secondary is loaded with talent.
While Maddox needs to be on the field, his spot in the lineup will probably be fluid because of the depth in the secondary. The Eagles have at least six cornerbacks who can contribute in key roles and their safety unit is on the mend. The Eagles will probably keep 10 defensive backs, even if the team decides to trade one of its cornerbacks. The front office will need to make some tough decisions, as cornerbacks Josh Hawkins and Jeremiah McKinnon and safeties Deiondre Hall and Blake Countess seem to be talented enough to contribute as well. Training camp should be very interesting.
4. The linebacker competition will be fascinating during training camp.
With the Eagles likely to keep 10 defensive backs and 10 defensive linemen, there may only be room for five linebackers on the 53-man unit. The Eagles have several intriguing options, as Kamu Grugier-Hill, Nigel Bradham and Zach Brown are likely to serve as the starting three in some form or fashion. Behind that trio, the Eagles have three notable veterans in Paul Worrilow, L.J. Fort and Nathan Gerry. Plus, their two undrafted linebackers, T.J. Edwards and Joey Alfieri, have impressed position coach Ken Flajole. The cutdown at linebacker will be very difficult. Training camp and the preseason will serve as the biggest tests for the depth group.
5. Josh Sweat is in a “great place.”
Pederson offered praise for Sweat following the final practice of mandatory minicamp. The second-year end is the favorite to replace Chris Long in the lineup. That is a big role, as Long served as a key pass rusher for the team over the past two seasons. Sweat, following a forgettable rookie season, has stepped up during the offseason program. While the non-contact practices favor the defensive linemen, Sweat looked extremely impressive with his burst off the line. Sweat could carve out a major role this season, as Pederson thinks he is in a “great place.”
6. Miles Sanders’ development during training camp will be a major factor in the Eagles’ early success this season.
Sanders missed all of OTAs and minicamp with a hamstring injury. The Eagles wanted to take precautions with the second-round rookie and that’s commendable. That said, Sanders has taken plenty of mental reps throughout the offseason program and he will need to apply that newfound knowledge to training camp when things inevitably become physical. Sanders is expected to have a big role in the Eagles’ running back rotation, so he needs to click on the practice field very early in the process. While Jordan Howard is more than capable of carrying the load, the Eagles’ running game is at its best when multiple runners fit into the rotation.
Mike Kaye may be reached at mkaye@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@Mike_E_Kaye. Find NJ.com on Facebook.