After an embarrassing end to last season, the Philadelphia Eagles made some massive changes this offseason. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman understood the team needed to fix a few major flaws on Philadelphia’s roster.
As the Eagles wrapped up mandatory minicamp, they will go on an extended break until the start of training camp on Tuesday, July 23. Which players have improved or hurt their stock during practices this spring?
Which Philadelphia Eagles Players Improved Their Stocks at Mandatory Minicamp?
It was clear during the second half of last season that Philadelphia’s defense was a massive problem. Although Roseman has invested heavily along the defensive line and at cornerback, it wasn’t enough for the Eagles to get the job done on the field.
Following a few offseason additions, Philadelphia’s defense shined during mandatory minicamp under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. One of the players that improved their stock the most during practice was one of Roseman’s first additions in free agency.
Zack Baun, LB
Although Saquon Barkley and Bryce Huff received all the headlines, Zack Baun was also a part of Philadelphia’s initial flurry of free agents. Baun has primarily played on the edge throughout his career in both college and in the NFL. Fangio, though, has other plans.
Baun has consistently lined up with the first-team defense as an inside linebacker next to Devin White. Despite his experience on the edge, Baun is embracing the move inside, and his combination of size and athleticism is something Philadelphia was missing last season.
Kelee Ringo, CB
Kelee Ringo was quickly labeled a steal of the 2023 NFL Draft after the Eagles traded up to select him in the fourth round. Even so, he rarely saw the field during the first half of his rookie season before showing flashes of potential down the stretch.
Fast forward to this offseason and Ringo has a full season of NFL experience under his belt and is ready to compete for a starting outside CB spot. While many expected first-round pick Quinyon Mitchell to win the job, Ringo isn’t going down without a fight. He’s impressed reporters during the practices that have been open to the media.
Ringo offers a unique blend of size and speed, while still somehow being just 21 years old.
John Ross, WR
Following DeVante Parker’s unexpected retirement, the Eagles were forced to look for veteran help at outside receiver. John Ross participated on a tryout basis during Philadelphia’s rookie minicamp and made an impression on the team.
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Although he hasn’t played in an NFL game since 2021, Ross is making the most of his opportunity with the Eagles. He’s impressed reporters during practice as he continues to rise up the depth chart and push for a final roster spot.
Which Eagles Players Hurt Their Stocks at Mandatory Minicamp?
While several players have improved their stock during practices this offseason, others haven’t had the same luck. After Roseman and the Eagles added more talent at several positions of need, some players thus far have failed to stand out.
James Bradberry, DB
If James Bradberry’s play on the field last season didn’t hurt his stock enough, he’s managed to lower it even more this offseason. After struggling at outside corner in 2023, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni announced that Bradberry would spend time at safety in 2024.
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
Bradberry suffered an injury during his first practice of the offseason and missed the remainder of mandatory minicamp. Given the increasing stocks of several other cornerbacks for Philadelphia, it seems like Bradberry’s days with the Eagles are numbered.
Nakobe Dean, LB
After missing several games last season, many expected third-year linebacker Nakobe Dean to start in 2024. Yet, he’s seemingly lost the starting job to Baun, as the free agent continues to line up alongside White on Philadelphia’s first-team defense.
Dean has shown flashes at times during his first two years with the Eagles, but his struggles to stay on the field have limited the impact that he can have on the field. If he wants to win the starting inside linebacker job, Dean must prove to Fangio that he can be relied on for the duration of the season.
Kenneth Gainwell, RB
Kenneth Gainwell is heading into the final year of his rookie deal, but he’s off to a rough start this offseason.
The Eagles have made several notable additions at running back, and thus far, Gainwell has failed to prove himself during practice sessions — even letting a pass slip right through his hands at one point.
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Meanwhile, Barkley is cemented as Philadelphia’s top running back. Will Shipley and Kendall Milton have also shown early flashes as rookies in the Eagles’ backfield.