Eagles minicamp observations for Day 2: John Ross standing out; Mekhi Becton in play at guard?

PHILADELPHIA – A cloudy day oversaw the NovaCare Complex as the Philadelphia Eagles conducted the second of their three mandatory minicamp practices. Nick Sirianni did another quick session that lasted just over an hour, including practicing the new initial return in the middle of the session.

Big offensive plays have escaped practice so far, but the secondary has been excellent throughout both practices. The offense is still mastering Kellen Moore’s new system.

As for Jalen Hurts, he’s a work in progress. If the Eagles want Hurts to get rid of the ball quickly, it will take some time for him to do so on a more consistent basis.

What else happened in the second mandatory minicamp training session? Here’s a closer look at how the Eagles wrap things up on Thursday:

Injuries

James Bradberry was present at practice, but stayed on the sideline during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills without a helmet. He participated in individual training.

Trevor Keegan was watching on the sideline with a sleeve on his left leg.

Sydney Brown was observing practice and mimicking safety measures during 7-on-7. No brace is on Brown’s knee as he practices on a sideline.

Highlights in practice

Kelee Ringo

Ringo continues to excel in coverage throughout the mandatory minicamp, taking advantage of opportunities with the first team. He has been strong in coverage and in good position to make plays.

The cornerbacks have played well, but Ringo has gotten a slight edge on the club in the battle for playing time.

John Ross

The battle for the No. 3 wide receiver spot is wide open, but Ross has done a good job despite only being in Philadelphia for a few weeks. A reliable target for Kenny Pickett, Ross has made a one-handed catch on an outside route at 7-on-7 and has found ways to get open despite good coverage from the defensive back.

Ross is being more consistent with his running and speed, which eluded him in Cincinnati.

Will Shipley

A strong practice for the No. 2 running back, especially in the passing game. The Eagles brought Shipley in to catch passes and he displayed that with a big gain on a slant over the middle and a sideline catch where he put both feet on the field.

If the Eagles plan to use Shipley as a pass defender, they have a valuable asset that could take some of the pressure off Saquon Barkley.

How are the Eagles using Saquon Barkley?

The best part of minicamp is seeing how the Eagles will utilize Barkley in the passing game. Right now, Barkley is more of a bait for AJ Brown, but the Eagles have shown “21 personnel” with the backup running backs. Maybe they have that in store for Barkley in the fall.

Barkley was also used in four wide receiver sets, being a checking down option on the sideline.

Becton played left guard for the second consecutive practice in place of Landon Dickerson (personal absence), but appears to be adapting well to the new position. Could he be in play to start at right guard in Week 1?

Jordan Mailata mentioned how well Becton has performed in reps and vibed with his fellow offensive linemen since arriving in Philadelphia. The Eagles may have an alternative plan if Tyler Steen doesn’t pan out. Remember, they also signed Max Scharping this week, so they are keeping their options open.

7 vs 7 Recap

• Jalen Hurts intercepted Reed Blankenship early in the session. I have no idea who the pass was intended for, with no one in the target area.
• Grant Calcaterra caught a dive from Kenny Pickett. The pass was a short incline.
• Kelee Ringo had good positioning to deflect a Kenny Pickett pass, but the quarterback placed the ball high enough for Johnny Wilson to catch it.
• Albert Okwuegbunam beat Andre Sam through the middle after a pass from Tanner McKee. It would have resulted in a huge gain.
• Jalen Hurts threw a high pass to DeVonta Smith with Avonte Maddox in coverage. The ball was probably not reachable in a practice environment.
• John Ross caught a pass from Kenny Pickett in the flat. Isaiah Rodgers covered the play well.
• Jalen Hurts found AJ Brown quickly. Hurts targets Brown frequently in offseason workouts.
• On what was probably the play of the day, Tanner McKee rolled to his right and found Will Shipley for a 15-yard gain. Shipley caught the pass on the sideline and put both feet in. Impressive reception for the newcomer.
• Jalen Hurts missed Dallas Goedert on a deep pass with Darius Slay in coverage. The Eagles have been deeply testing Hurts.
• Cooper DeJean allowed an easy interception of Jalen Hurts while playing inside. The interception would have been a pick six, as the defense had a loud reaction when DeJean was about to make the play.
• Kenny Gainwell dropped a pass from Kenny Pickett.
• Kelee Ringo broke up a Kenny Pickett pass intended for John Ross.
• Kendall Milton caught a route from Tanner McKee that would have led to a touchdown. Milton was open on the play, but that was a result of his route.

11 vs 11 Recap

• Jalen Hurts found DeVonta Smith on a pass over the middle.
• Devin White had a coverage sack on the next play, forcing Hurts to his left as no one was open. Jalen Carter destroyed Tyler Steen to set up the play.
• Jalen Hurts knocked down a deep ball to AJ Brown, but was under pressure as he rolled to his left and threw. Isaiah Rodgers was in coverage. The play was free, as Josh Sweat was offside.
• John Ross caught it with one hand on a short route from Kenny Pickett.
• Will Shipley opened up the middle on a slant route. Kenny Pickett made the pass and Shipley would have made a big gain.

Celebrity guests

New York Knicks guard and Villanova product Jalen Brunson was training with Temple guard/forward Lynn Greer III.

Eagles legend Fletcher Cox was also watching practice. Brandon Graham admitted that he talked to Cox on the phone before practice.