Eagles mandatory minicamp observations (Day 3): Jalen Hurts learning, Kenny Pickett showing QB2 potential

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Eagles have officially reached summer break, with the final day of mandatory minicamp ending on Thursday. The final practice of the spring session lasted just over 50 minutes, as there weren’t many 11-on-11 plays in that part of the practice.

This session felt like the last day of school, with the red zone starting the 7-on-7 portion before practice was moved to the 35-yard line. The practice certainly had a different vibe than the other mandatory minicamp sessions, especially since the Eagles are off for the next seven weeks.

What happened on the last day of mandatory minicamp? Here is a summary of the practice:

Jalen Hurts is still learning a new offense

Hurts admitted that 95% of the offensive coordinator’s offense is new, which explains the lack of explosive plays at 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 this spring. The 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 split tends to favor the attack, but the defense has ruled the mandatory minicamp.

Although Hurts found Dallas Goedert for a touchdown on the first play of 7-on-7, he also missed the tight end on a deep pass. Hurts has been making deep throws in the open portion of OTAs and minicamp, but he’s also learning how to master a new offense.

Remember, it’s June.

During special teams drills, Brown and Barkley went over their routes off the line and from scrimmage – sharing notes after the first part of the 7-on-7 drill. DeVonta Smith was watching Brown and Barkley and participating as well.

Barkley is lining up as a receiver in 7-on-7s, which are intended for passing anyway. It’s intriguing to see how his route running will benefit Brown and how Brown’s breaks will benefit Barkley.

Brown also praised Grant Calcaterra after he caught a prank at 11-on-11 in practice.

There were some deep passes from the offense on Thursday, but they came with Pickett on the second team.

Pickett found Johnny Wilson on a 35-yard touchdown route on 7-on-7. Wilson jumped over Isaiah Rodgers and took it to the end zone. Wilson used his wingspan to extend Rodgers, who appeared to have at least part of his finger on the ball.

Pickett then found Joseph Ngata on a shoulder catch in the end zone. Eli Ricks was in coverage, but the catch was also great from Ngata.

Pickett also made a nice pass to Ainias Smith in the back of the end zone, but the play was ruled a “no catch” as Smith was unable to get both feet on. practice if Smith could have taken action.

A day after nearly picking up six against Jalen Hurts, DeJean had a pass breakup on a pass intended for Shaq Davis to end the third-down contest. DeJean’s play led to CJ Gardner-Johnson celebrating with Brandon Smith as the defense took home the trophy.

The punishment for the offense? Offensive coaches had to use gasifiers.

Summary of 7 vs 7 and 11 vs 11

• Jalen Hurts found Dallas Goedert for a rolling touchdown to the right.
• Reed Blankenship had blanket coverage on AJ Brown, which forced Hurts to not make the throw.
• Kenny Gainwell had a fall, his second in consecutive days. CJ Uzomah and Johnny Wilson also had falls.
• Joseph Ngata beat Kelee Ringo and Tyler Hall in the back of the left end zone on an in-and-out route.
• Johnny Wilson caught a pass with Brandon Smith in coverage. On the next play, Wilson had a drop – but he showed flashes in camp.
• The Eagles had a huddle formation at the end of the red zone 7-on-7, but there was an illegal man flag on the field. Ironic, no offensive linemen.
• Hurts was pressured but threw his back foot to Dallas Goedert – who was open on the left side of the field. Was it a takedown? Yes, but Hurts was also pressured.
• Josh Sweat beat Jordan Mailata 11-on-11 for a sack on Hurts.
• EJ Jenkins made a nice catch from Tanner McKee over the middle, showing how he could be in play for a spot on the practice squad this summer. Jenkins is listed as a tight end but plays more as a receiver.