The Philadelphia Eagles opened mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, as the media got their first look at the team’s entire roster on the field at once in 2024.
Although starting left guard Landon Dickerson wasn’t in attendance due to an excused absence, Eagles cornerback James Bradberry was back on Philadelphia’s practice field. Yet this time, he would be playing a new position as he attempts to make the final roster.
James Bradberry Taking Reps at Safety During Eagles Minicamp
It’s no secret that Bradberry struggled mightily in Philadelphia last season. After a stellar performance in 2022, Bradberry played like arguably the worst cornerback in the NFL in 2023.
Bradberry allowed 10 receiving touchdowns last season, which was the highest total among all cornerbacks in the league. He also allowed 797 receiving yards, which was the eighth-highest mark among all cornerbacks as well.
After missing voluntary workouts earlier this offseason, many questioned if Bradberry would eventually be released by the Eagles. Yet he was in attendance as mandatory minicamp began on Tuesday, although he is apparently making a position change.
Wow — Nick Sirianni says James Bradberry is taking reps at safety
Says lots of great corners have gone on to be great safeties
Unclear if that’s a permanent move, but it is interesting pic.twitter.com/LNqW5aZUTh
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) June 4, 2024
Following his struggles at outside cornerback last season, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni announced that Bradberry would be taking reps at safety. While it is unknown if this is a permanent, full-time change for Bradberry, it could be a necessary move for him to have any chance to make Philadelphia’s final roster.
After years of having questionable cornerback depth, the Eagles actually have plenty of talent in the team’s room in 2024. Meanwhile, safety depth is a question in Philadelphia, which could be a key factor in Bradberry making a position change this offseason.
Yet Bradberry’s conversion to safety got off to a rough start, as he reportedly suffered an injury during drills on Tuesday. According to Eliot Shorr-Parks of 94 WIP, Bradberry walked off the field and into the medical tent with a trainer before eventually returning to the field without his helmet.
Kelee Ringo Starting at Outside CB at Eagles Minicamp
After Isaiah Rodgers received most of the first-team reps during voluntary practice, second-year cornerback Kelee Ringo started opposite of Darius Slay on Tuesday. Ringo showed flashes during his rookie season and is looking to build on his success in 2024.
According to Brandon Lee Gowton of Bleeding Green Nation, Ringo was the top standout player at Monday’s practice. Ringo prevented a potential deep pass from Jalen Hurts to Parris Campbell, as the second-year cornerback broke up the play at the catch point.
While many fans are excited about the arrival of rookie cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, Ringo is actually younger than Mitchell. Given that Ringo already has a full year of experience at the next level, it’s quite impressive that he’s younger than Mitchell.
Considering Philadelphia’s lack of young cornerback talent in recent years, it’s refreshing to see such promising players on the team’s roster. Although the battle for the starting outside cornerback spot opposite of Slay is far from over, Ringo seems to be making an early statement with his play during the start of mandatory minicamp.
Avonte Maddox Cross-Training at Safety and Nickel CB
Similar to Bradberry, Avonte Maddox appeared to be a player that was on his way out of Philadelphia. In fact, the Eagles officially released Maddox earlier this offseason before eventually re-signing him to a one-year deal.
As Maddox looks to stick around in Philadelphia, he is embracing multiple roles while learning Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme. Maddox is cross-training at both safety and nickel cornerback, which he discussed while meeting with the media on Tuesday.
Cornerback Avonte Maddox on playing safety during OTAs and minicamp pic.twitter.com/e3AO1dL8Dl
— Chris Franklin (@cfranklinnews) June 4, 2024
While playing both positions isn’t new to Maddox, he has primarily played nickel cornerback throughout his career in Philadelphia. Maddox has played 1,735 total snaps in the slot while playing just 307 total snaps at safety during his time with the Eagles.
Yet Maddox’s ability to play both positions will certainly improve his chances of making the team’s final roster. Given Philadelphia’s lack of depth at safety, Maddox could prove to be a valuable piece for Fangio as the starting nickel cornerback and backup safety in 2024.