Eagles mandatory minicamp observations, Day 1: Kelee Ringo has big day as James Bradberry leaves with injury

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Eagles began the first day of mandatory minicamp with an intense practice that lasted one hour and five minutes. There weren’t many exciting plays in this practice, and there wasn’t much to discover in the 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 portions of the session either.

The first day of mandatory minicamp is typically a ramp-up period before the second day better showcases the team’s performance in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 matches. Remember, it’s only June.

Here are some observations from the first day of mandatory minicamp.

Who stood out

Kelee Ringo was the highlight of Tuesday’s mandatory minicamp practice, with two coverage plays that prevented big gains in the 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 periods.

Ringo broke up a deep pass from Jalen Hurts intended for Parris Campbell (it was a very good ball from Hurts). CJ Gardner-Johnson closed in to take the lead away, but Ringo’s coverage prevented the big gain from occurring. Later in practice, Hurts also threw a good deep ball to John Ross – but Ringo was one step ahead to prevent Ross from making a deep catch.

Hurts would have had at least one touchdown if not for Ringo’s coverage. Fitting since Ringo was in the starting lineup at outside cornerback.

Attendance report

Everyone was present at the mandatory minicamp, except one player. Landon Dickerson had an excused absence for personal reasons. Mekhi Becton started at left guard in place of Dickerson, so the Eagles are coaching Becton at guard and tackle.

Safety Sydney Brown (ACL) was working on a sideline run. Tackle Le’Raven Clark had a cleat on his right leg and wide receiver Jacob Harris watched the practice without a helmet on the sideline.

Bradberry was present on the first day of mandatory minicamp, despite his cloudy future with the team. He only lasted a few minutes before watching the rest of the practice from the sidelines.

During the individual portion of the Eagles’ mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, Bradberry fell while backpedaling in quick drills. He walked off the practice field with a trainer and stayed away from 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. He took off his helmet during that part of the practice.

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni mentioned in his pre-practice press conference that Bradberry was doing repetitions safely. On Day 1 of mandatory minicamp, however, the Eagles failed to see that happen.

Depth Chart Updates

• With Dickerson out, Becton was first team at left guard. The Eagles believe Becton can play guard, so that’s something to monitor all summer — especially with the right guard battle.
• Campbell was the slot receiver – or WR3 – with DeVonta Smith back.
• Zack Baun and Devin White started at linebacker with Nakobe Dean mixed in.
• Ringo started at cornerback alongside Darius Slay.
• Quinyon Mitchell spent a few plays with the starting lineup in the slot. Avonte Maddox and Tyler Hall were the protagonists of the slot.
• Maddox was a second-team safety with Tristin McCollum.
• Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was a third-team linebacker.

Punt return issues

Nick Sirianni was not satisfied with his punt return coverage, specifically Quinyon Mitchell, when he couldn’t get his feet close to the inlet while trying to keep the ball out of the end zone. The Eagles had some poor representation as Sirianni put in extra time, willing to fix those issues in June.

What happened in 7 vs 7 and 11 vs 11

A summary of some plays during the 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 training sessions

• Jalen Hurts had a pass picked off by Devin White, but the play was after a pass from Reed Blankenship.
• CJ Uzomah opened a deep route with Eli Ricks in coverage. The ball was beautiful from Tanner McKee.
• Kenneth Gainwell was opened up in depth with the release of Kenny Pickett. Pickett threw a beautiful ball, but Gainwell held on. It wasn’t a Pickett takedown.
• Ainias Smith suffered a fall on a crossing route. The ball was no good to Pickett, but Smith got past it. Smith is very quick on the break.
• Britain Covey opened up on a slant and gained about 10 yards after the catch. The pass was from Tanner McKee.
• Dallas Goedert suffered a drop from Jalen Hurts on an outside route.
• Eli Ricks broke up a sideline pass from Kenny Pickett.
• Kenny Pickett threw a pass that was almost picked off by Cooper DeJean.
• Eli Ricks deflected a deep pass from Kenny Pickett near the sideline to end the practice.