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15 observations from Eagles training camp practice

Here’s what we learned today.

NFL: AUG 01 Eagles Training Camp Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Today marked the third 2020 Philadelphia Eagles training camp practice open to media. Here’s what I observed!

PRACTICE NOTES

• Light day today with no pads or helmets. A number of players — Carson Wentz included — opted for the bucket hat instead. Practice had kind of a walk-through pace. This setting obviously makes for a shorter day of practice notes.

EAGLES INJURY UPDATE: Alexis wrote about today’s update in more detail but the big news is that Miles Sanders is “week-to-week” with a lower body injury. The Eagles don’t expect these injuries to linger into the regular season, for what it’s worth.

• The Eagles opened up in 12 personnel with DeSean Jackson and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside as the top two wide receivers. JJAW (X), Jackson (Z), and Greg Ward (slot) were then the top three receivers in 11 personnel. Before you freak out, let’s note that Jalen Reagor did rotate in with JJAW. Reagor actually lined up in the slot for at least one rep, too. But the Eagles clearly aren’t just handing a full-time starting job to their rookie first-round pick with no questions asked. The feeling here is that Reagor can and will push for more playing time than JJAW but the Eagles aren’t merely giving up on their 2019 second-round pick.

• Reagor didn’t have any drops while fielding punts during some light rain. He did have one when it stopped raining, go figure. That’s at least three dropped punts for Reagor in camp so far. The team had him take most of those reps, so I think they want him back there, but he’s going to need to work on that ball security. Greg Ward returned several punts with no issues dropping the ball. Same case for DeSean Jackson, who took about five or so. Those were the only three guys back deep.

• Reagor made an impressive leaping catch in the middle of the end zone even though it was a relaxed environment. You can see that his 42 inch vertical jump (97th percentile) is legit.

Avonte Maddox lined up at first team cornerback across from Darius Slay for the third day in a row. Again, this isn’t a real camp battle.

Nickell Robey-Coleman and Cre’Von LeBlanc were alternating as the third team outside cornerbacks. Jim Schwartz previously said the Eagles’ nickel guys will need to be comfortable playing outside at times with Darius Slay expected to sometimes shadow opposing top receivers into the slot.

Shaun Bradley has made at least one notable play every day of camp so far. The rookie linebacker had a “sack” and then a big hit on Dallas Goedert on Day 1. He trucked the crap out of Deontay Burnett on Day 2. Today he picked off Jalen Hurts on a short throw in the red zone. I don’t think Bradley’s going to unseat one of the top three guys in Nathan Gerry, T.J. Edwards, and Duke Riley ahead of Week 1. But the sixth-round pick has flashed more than third-round pick Davion Taylor so far.

Corey Clement took a good chunk of the first team running back reps with Miles Sanders resting.

Nate Sudfeld had a fade throw that was almost picked off by Jalen Mills.

• First team punt protection unit includes: T.J. Edwards, Shaun Bradley, Duke Riley, Will Parks, K’Von Wallace, Corey Clement, Josh Perkins. Most of these players are roster locks but this only helps their outlooks.

• Perkins also saw a good amount of first team action in 12 personnel with Dallas Goedert missing practice, though Caleb Wilson and Noah Togiai also got involved at times.

• Undrafted rookie free agent Grayland Arnold is listed at “defensive back” on the Eagles’ official roster page but he’s playing free safety in practice. Arnold has cornerback experience and could sneak on to the 53-man roster.

• Undrafted rookie free agent Adrian Killins has been working with the wide receivers in position drills despite being listed at running back. Killins was lined out wide during a red zone rep today. Not exactly the most imposing fade route threat at 5-8, 177 pounds.

Nathan Gerry is the next man up on short notice if Rick Lovato suffers an injury. Gerry’s long snapping experience is mainly limited to his first two years of high school.

Up next: Another 10:30 practice start time for the Eagles on Thursday. Stay tuned to BGN, as always.

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