In And Out

PHILADELPHIA – The Eagles returned to the NovaCare Complex on Thursday, accompanied again by largely overcast and humid conditions.

The practice, efficient and well-structured, covered a little more than 75 minutes.

At the podium before practice was defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who addressed a multitude of topics pertaining to his philosophies and new-look defense.

Prior to taking the field, the Eagles announced the signing of WR Griffin Hebert. The team also waived T Gottlieb Ayedze from the Non-Football Injury List. Hebert spent some time on the Eagles’ practice squad late last season and participated in rookie minicamp on a tryout basis.

In other housekeeping news, LB Oren Burks (knee) and T Brett Toth (hamstring) were non-participants, while G Landon Dickerson (toe laceration) was listed as limited. Veteran Mekhi Becton reprised his role as the first-team left guard in the absence of Dickerson.

Rookie linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. encountered what appeared to be a left calf cramp during practice. The Clemson product would ultimately return, only to double over on his back in the waning moments of practice, prompting a trainer to stretch his calf.

Trotter Jr. eventually stood up before leaving on a cart – likely a precautionary measure.

On with the observations:

* The Eagles continue to mix-and-match defensive personnel, specifically at cornerback and linebacker, the two positions Fangio noted as the most prominent competitions. Thursday saw second-year cornerback Kelee Ringo assume the initial first-team reps opposite Darius Slay. It was Isaiah Rodgers who started opposite Slay on Wednesday.

While Zack Baun again opened as the first-team linebacker alongside Devin White, Nakobe Dean also garnered first-team looks. The constant shuffling at those positions is further indication of open competition, in addition to Fangio gauging the strengths of his personnel.

* Another sharp practice from quarterback Jalen Hurts, who delivered with timing and accuracy, complementing his decisiveness. Almost surgical in his approach, Hurts peppered the short-to-intermediary levels, ensuring the offense remained on schedule and the ball eluded harms way.

Hurts’ best throw came during a 7-on-7 period, a perfectly placed vertical throw down the right sideline, into the arms of wide receiver A.J. Brown, who had beaten Darius Slay. Two practices in, Hurts appears to be growing into the reconfigured offense on the heels of an uneven spring.

* Compactly built and twitched-up, outside linebacker Bryce Huff has stood out due to hand usage and a quick first step. More about him will be learned once the pads come on, of course, but Huff gets downhill in a flash and has a good understanding of using leverage to his advantage.

One play in particular that stood out during 11-on-11s was Huff collecting a “sack” of Hurts. Huff, who has been a role player through three seasons, mentioned that he trains to be a full-time player. The first two days of practice highlighted his intriguing blend of traits and the impact he can have on Fangio’s defense.

* In other defense news, DT Jalen Carter’s burst and penetration was apparent during team drills, where at one point he supplied pressure on Hurts. Carter acknowledged he’s prepared to shoulder the responsibility of becoming a centerpiece on the defense: “I know I got a lot of weight on my shoulders, but it’s no pressure. It’s been like this all my life. Football is a sport that I love, and I keep getting better every day.”

* First-round pick CB Quinyon Mitchell reprised his role with the second unit, repping at both outside cornerback along with inside. The Toledo product continues to showcase instincts, toughness and versatility. Mitchell will have an opportunity to separate once the pads come out. And for what it’s worth, Mitchell has looked fairly natural when functioning in the nickel role.

* Much was made on Day 1 regarding the prospect of veteran WR Parris Campbell running largely uncontested in his race to win the No. 3 receiver role. Well, on Thursday, another veteran – speedster John Ross – garnered first-team reps during 11-on-11s. Even PR Britain Covey, a wide receiver by trade, secured a screen pass from Hurts.

Like with their defense, the Eagles appear keen on conjuring different looks offensively. Ross and Campbell, who garnered the majority of first-team reps, each showed well. The battle for the third receiver role will be a camp-long storyline.

*The outpouring of endorsements for third-year tight end Grant Calcaterra was more than spring fodder. Calcaterra, who enjoyed a strong set of spring practices, has been a frequent mid-range target, exhibiting reliable hands and a penchant for finding the soft spots in zone.

While the tight end group in general has seen a flurry of targets through two practices, it appears Calcaterra is building some early momentum. The true test will be how the largely one-dimensional pass catcher shows as a blocker and handles physicality, but perhaps Calcaterra is in line for a larger role than anticipated. The 2022 sixth-round pick has received most of the second-team reps, ahead of veteran C.J. Uzomah, who fumbled following a swipe from CB Avonte Maddox.

* The Eagles also logged some special teams work, which provided a number of notable takeaways. First up on kickoff were bubble players such as LB Patrick Johnson, CB Josh Jobe, LB Ben VanSumeren and S Tristin McCollum. McCollum is particularly interesting, as the 25-year-old defensive back has gotten exclusive run as the second-team safety alongside James Bradberry. He also had a third phase impact in the games in which he was active last season, including the wild card matchup in Tampa Bay. McCollum could be an under-the-radar player to keep an eye on.

* I’m not sure he factors prominently into Fangio’s vision, but LB Ben VanSumeren will be one to watch when the pads come on. The second-year LB flashed on multiple occasions during the first two practices with his explosiveness, speed and urgency closing on ball carriers. He plays with his hair on fire, which combined with his tenacity and range should lend itself to a training camp emergence when the intensity ratchets up.

* Random observation: Word I’d gotten from multiple sources on second-year WR Joseph Ngata is that he’s an extremely hard worker, which absolutely tracked when I observed Ngata during spring practices. In addition to seemingly adding some muscle to his frame, Ngata doesn’t shy away from putting in extra work. Thursday marked the second consecutive day Ngata took to the JUGS machine long after most of his teammates had gone inside. I’m not sure how or where he fits, but Ngata has the work ethic, size and catch radius to turn some heads in 1-on-1s.

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.