Philadelphia had the lightest workload of all 32 NFL teams, and they wrapped up the offseason workouts and OTAs with an inspiring final practice inside the bubble at the NovaCare Complex.
While 19 teams across the league will hold mandatory minicamps this week, the Eagles will break a little over a month before reconvening for training camp on July 25.
With several big named veterans having a limited role this spring, here are five winners from the offseason program.
Christian Elliss
Elliss took first team reps at linebacker ahead Nicholas Morrow and had an ipmressive interception of All-Pro quarterback Jalen Hurts during 7-on-7 drills.
Elliss saw his role increase last season on special teams, and through two weeks of OTAs, he’s looking like a sleeper participant and rotational piece.
Quez Watkins
Nick Sirianni and Jalen Hurts went out of their way to defend Watkins during this offseason workout program and the fourth year wide receiver appears primed to break out.
“I love his attitude, and I’ve said this to him, and I have no problem saying it here, some people around here, and it’s not in this building, we have a ton of confidence in Quez Watkins,” Sirianni said. “But I kind of sense from him — he’s never said this, but oh, some people think I stink? Wait. Wait.
Watkins and Olamide Zaccheaus will battle for the No. 3 wide receiver job. Don’t expect the Eagles to add any outside help either (a la DeAndre Hopkins).
Nolan Smith
Smith is physical, smart and a Brandon Graham clone when it comes to his energy and infection personality.
He won’t be a Day 1 starter, but Sean Desai will carve out a key role for the former Georgia pass rusher.
Joseph Ngata
The undrafted rookie out of Clemson is big and physical, standing at 6-foot-3, 217 pounds, and with Jadon Haselwood missing in action, Ngata displayed the ability to come down with 50/50 balls.
I am officially intrigued by Charleston Rambo and Joseph Ngata as players that could make the #Eagles roster
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) June 8, 2023
He’ll battle Devon Allen, Greg Ward and Tyrie Cleveland for a roster spot.
Zech McPhearson
A solid special teams performer through his first two years, McPhearson was able to put his full skillset on display this spring, seeing action at the slot cornerback position in place of Avonte Maddox.
With Philadelphia deep at the outside cornerback spot, McPhearson could replace Josiah Scott as the top backup at the slot.
