Eagles mandatory minicamp overreactions: Disconnect between Jalen Hurts and Nick Sirianni? No WR3 on roster?

PHILADELPHIA – Mandatory minicamp has come to an end for the Philadelphia Eagles, who enter the summer with high expectations for the 2024 season. The Eagles want to avenge last season’s collapse and make the Super Bowl for the second time in three years, with Jalen Hurts also looking for a bounce-back season.

There is a lot of pressure on the Eagles in 2024, but also a lot of talent on the roster. This evidence was displayed throughout mandatory minicampeven though the Eagles still have some things to work on this summer.

What developments were found during mandatory minicamp? Do any of them justify an overreaction entering training camp? Which of these minicamp stories are exaggerated reactions and which are reality?

There’s a disconnect between Jalen Hurts and Nick Sirianni

Overreaction or reality: Overreaction

Going into minicamp, any type of relationship between Hurts and Sirianni wouldn’t have even been questioned. Based on how Hurts responded to a softball question about Sirianni in his press conference at the end of minicamp, it’s only fair to at least have the conversation.

“Um,” Hurts said with a long pause before laughing when asked about Sirianni and what he’s noticed about him since his role changed. “I mean, that’s a great question, I don’t know if I know the answer to it.”

A reporter asked Hurts what he saw from Sirianni, and the QB gave another nebulous answer.

“I think he’s been great at um,” Hurts said with another long pause. “The messages he’s delivering to the team. He’s trying to be very intentional with what he’s saying… yeah.”

Maybe there’s a disconnect between Hurts and Sirianni now, but it’s too early to tell. Hurts will have the opportunity to address these issues during training camp, as his play on the field will be what he talks about.

There is reason to be concerned about the relationship between Hurts and Sirianni, but there is no reason to overreact to it in June. This is just something to monitor at the beginning of the year.

The WR3 is not on the Eagles roster at the moment

Overreaction or reality: Reality

The Eagles will have some interesting competition for the third receiver spot this summer. Parris Campbell earned first-team reps in mandatory minicamp, but John Ross was the best player in all three practices (and he signed just a month ago). Ainias Smith just returned from a stress fracture in his shin and it’s hard to count on a fifth-round rookie to fill that spot right away.

There’s a good chance the Eagles add more depth at wide receiver this summer to find their third wideout. The Los Angeles Chargers had three receivers on the field on 70.6% of their offensive plays under Kellen Moore last season (eighth in NFL) and managed “11 employees” 70% of the time (ninth in NFL), so that the third receiving point is predominant.

Hunter Renfrow is the best slot receiver available, so maybe that’s an option.

James Bradberry will have every opportunity to start at CB

Overreaction or reality: Reality

Nick Sirianni revealed that the Eagles were going to coach Bradberry at safety at the start of mandatory minicamp, only for those plans to never come to fruition. Bradberry was injured during individual drills in the first practice of minicamp and never participated in the 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.

The Eagles have not moved on from Bradberry and have no reason to at this point. They don’t save any money on the cap by cutting Bradberry now and would have to spread the dead money over two seasons anyway.

Even though the cornerback competition is extremely fierce, Bradberry will have the opportunity to compete with Kelee Ringo, Isaiah Rodgers and Quinyon Mitchell for the starting spot alongside Darius Slay. The Eagles can then make the decision on Bradberry’s future (if he doesn’t win the starting job).

Mekhi Becton will be the starting right guard in Week 1

Overreaction or reality: Reality

When the Eagles signed Becton, they dismissed the idea that he would learn to play guard. Actions speak louder than words, as Becton was taking first-team reps at left guard during mandatory minicamp (Landon Dickerson had an excused absence).

In training camp, Tyler Steen is expected to start at right guard, although the Eagles have been proactive at the position. Matt Hennessy was signed to challenge Steen, but the Eagle signed Max Scharping before the start of minicamp. The biggest candidate for Steen’s job could be Becton, who has impressed in the transition to guard so far.

If Becton plays well in the pads, he has a good chance of beating Steen as the right tackle. The Eagles may be hoping that is the case.

Eagles will add another running back this summer

Overreaction or reality: Overreaction

The Eagles have a three-down running back in Saquon Barkley and paid a premium for this offseason, making the No. 2 and No. 3 running backs appear less prevalent than in previous years. Kenneth Gainwell is the No. 2 running back, but his minicamp was plagued with drops. This comes on the heels of a career-low 4.3 yards per carry last season.

Could it be that Shipley had a good minicamp, but is he ready for the No. 2 role? Or do the Eagles just want him as a pass-catching specialist when camp opens? There also isn’t much depth behind Gainwell or Shipley, as Tyrion Davis-Price and Lew Nichols had standout performances in minicamp. Rookie undrafted free agent Kendall Milton impressed in minicamp and appears to be on track for practice squad consideration.

The Eagles could compete behind Barkley, and there are some solid veterans available. Maybe they will test that market, but they have the luxury of seeing how camp plays out.