Let’s get it back to the Eagles.

OTAs continue this morning and we’ve got coordinators Jim Schwartz and Mike Groh taking their first turn in front of the media.

Schwartz went first, and said this:

  • You will see guys “move around and play multiple positions” in camp. They have to have some versatility to play outside, inside, corner, safety. “You’re probably gonna see it more now, early in camp, then when we get later in camp, probably zero guys in towards competing for certain spots.”
  • On what they’ve added to the defense: “if history holds true, there will probably be another addition along the line. Howie (Roseman) and Joe (Douglas) have never been shy in adding another player in training camp or at the waiver wire.” 
  • Getting Vinny Curry back: “he looks like he hasn’t missed a beat since when he last played for us”
  • Malik Jackson has some inside/outside flexibility, good “complement” to Fletcher Cox inside
  • Zach Brown is flexible and has played some good football, excited to get him in
  • Chris Long and Michael Bennett’s production, not worried about replacing that, it’s “life in the NFL” according to Schwartz
  • Paul Worrilow has impressed “every single person in the building” with his work ethic. Has “attacked” his rehab and been a leader for the group of players going through similar situations.
  • L.J. Fort is a good all-around player, special teams, plays the run well, fits into the pass game, has a lot of experience despite not having a lot of NFL starts

On Malcolm Jenkins not participating in OTAs, after the jump:

“Certainly he’s one of our most experienced players. He’s one of our biggest leaders. But it’s not anything unusual when you look around the NFL. Different guys in, different guys out. Different guys are in different parts of their career. Some guys benefit from more rest, some guys benefit from more work. Every case is a little bit different. I know this; when the chips are down you’ll be able to count on Malcolm Jenkins and a lot of other guys, we’re trying to find that out about. That’s what they’re doing here this time of the year. Malcolm has some of those credits already in his bank account.”

More notes:

  • Shareef Miller has good length, some basketball athletic ability, he’s around the ball a lot, did those things at Penn State
  • Sidney Jones – first year was a learning year, so you have to “take that off the map,” last year started as a nickel corner and did some good things, injuries resulted in moving him around, then he battled through his own injuries and had “mixed success”
  • Things that do matter in OTAs? “You’re always evaluating, but you’re not making final decisions, you’re taking everything with a grain of salt, so to speak, bad cliche… but I do think you can see technique and you can also tell a lot about a guy with his understanding of what you’re doing.”

Mike Groh

  • Likes Miles Sanders’ versatility, ability in space, makes guys miss and has good ball skills
  • DeSean Jackson is a special player, good complement to the rest of the wide receiver room
  • Going into a second year, he feels comfortable, excited to be back out on the field with the guys
  • RE: Carson Wentz right now, “getting back out there is important, continuity, chemistry in the passing game… he’s doing great, he’s doing excellent”
  • They have been cross-training Big V at guard. “I think it’s a good time for him to do that, feels comfortable in the scheme and with calls.”
  • Chemistry in the quarterback room has been “excellent,” entire room is very professional and has a good working relationship
  • Groh thinks his presence can help the continuity issue presented by the revolving door of wide receiver coaches
  • DeSean Jackson has been a “joy” to be around. Team is getting familiar with his game, excited that he’s here and he’s going to be “a big part of what we do.”
  • Jordan Howard is catching the ball out of the backfield. “Just gotta keep throwing him balls.”

Practice opened up a short time ago. Here’s the full presser video: