15 observations from the final Philadelphia Eagles minicamp practice

The Philadelphia Eagles held their third and final day of mandatory minicamp practice on Thursday. The session was open to media and I was there. Remember that these are still non-contact drills at this point. Players aren’t allowed to wear pads yet. There’s only so much to be gleaned from players running around in shorts, so take these observations for what they’re worth.

• Today’s practice was very light compared to the last two days.

• Carson Wentz update: No. 11 finished spring workouts strong with a good day. He launched a pass 45 yards down the middle of the field to Rashard Davis (unfortunately, it went through the receiver’s hands). He also had a great back shoulder completion to Dallas Goedert in the front left corner of the end zone. Corey Nelson was draped all over Goedert but it didn’t matter. Goedert looks pretty good, by the way. Wentz also hit Greg Ward on a fade route. Stephen Roberts got beat in coverage.

• Injury update: Same thing as yesterday.

• Jalen Mills walked out to the practice field today and yelled “GIVE ME MY SUPER BOWL RING!” I’d say he’s fired up for the ring ceremony tonight.

• Speaking of rings, the Eagles played “Rings” by Kay G and “Big Rings” by Drake and Future during today’s practice. Apt.

• The Eagles ran the Philly Special (or something very similar) in group install. This time it was Greg Ward throwing to Nick Foles. Then they ran it against the defense in 11-on-11. Ward’s pass to Foles was complete. The defense wasn’t totally fooled (duh) but it’s not like they could really defend Foles (red jersey, don’t get near him).

• De’Vante Bausby took first team slot corner reps in 11-on-11. At one point in practice, he broke up a pass to undrafted rookie Anthony Mahoungou. The receiver originally caught the ball but Bausby knocked it out as they went to the ground. Bausby’s had a real nice spring.

• Avonte Maddox saw some first team nickel reps in 7-on-7. I feel like I’ve noticed Maddox get lost too often in coverage. It could be that he’s still adjusting to the playbook. And/or just getting used to playing on the inside, since he only had limited experience playing the slot at Pitt. Maddox did have a nice play where he stayed with a receiver 30 yards down the field and broke up a Sudfeld throw. He had a chance to pick it but it wasn’t an easy play to make. Would’ve required an over-the-shoulder catch as he was fighting with the receiver.

• Nate Sudfeld threw a gorgeous ball to tight end Joshua Perkins in the back left corner of the end zone. He was fired up after the play. Wentz also gave a touchdown signal. Sudfeld once again showed great touch and accuracy by floating a ball over multiple defenders to Rashard Davis, who is only 5-9, along the sideline in the back middle of the end zone. The refs attending practice gave a touchdown signal, so it was good.

• Shelton Gibson dropped a diving catch attempt on a pass over the middle from Wentz. Gibson looks better than he did last year, but his drops haven’t disappeared entirely. There’s some real competition for the fifth/sixth receiver spots. Gibson, Markus Wheaton, Greg Ward, Marquess Wilson, and Bryce Treggs are battling it out for one or two jobs.

• The aforementioned Mahoungo also dropped a ball in group install.

• All three non-Wentz quarterbacks were doing a drill where they had to try to hit the crossbar with the ball. They did this from the 6-yard line, the 11, and the 16. It wasn’t super easy for them. I think Foles did the best.

• While the other quarterbacks were throwing at the crossbar, Wentz was throwing to Zach Ertz and Mike Wallace.

• Howard Eskin was wearing a bright red Michael Jordan jersey at practice. He’s out to troll all the Eagles players who think LeBron James is better than MJ. Only Howard.

• This was from last week but I forgot to include it in my notes so I saved it for today. Enjoy.

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Up next: Minicamp is over! Following tonight’s Super Bowl ring ceremony, the Eagles are off until training camp begins later this summer. Players will report back to Philly in late July.

Stay tuned here to Bleeding Green Nation for daily Eagles content to pass the time until camp begins.