Carson Wentz puts his new receivers through the paces
The Eagles QB threw passes to Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith as the team began organized team activities.
On the first play the first-team offense ran in the first practice this offseason, quarterback Carson Wentz delivered a completion to Alshon Jeffery. Never mind that there was no contact from the defense or no pressing at the line of scrimmage, or that practice was a controlled setting. The Wentz-Jeffery connection was the most anticipated part of the Eagles' first session of organized team activities and was on full display Tuesday.
"We're working every day," Jeffery said. "I know what type of player I am, I know what type of player he is."
The Eagles entered the offseason with a commitment to improve the offensive weapons around Wentz. That's why they lured Jeffery from Chicago, signed Torrey Smith after he was released by San Francisco, and drafted two receivers. Those additions complement Jordan Matthews, who has been the Eagles' No. 1 wide receiver for the last two seasons, and the other returning receivers. Jeffery, Matthews, and Smith are the team's top three at the position, representing a significant upgrade from one year ago.
"I think that both of them bring a lot of production," Matthews said. "Both of them are playmakers in their own different ways. The biggest thing is in a room full of guys, you need competition. That's what's going to elevate guys' level of play. When you bring in two guys like that who have production over a period of time and they're willing to work during the voluntary portion of the offseason, you're going to be pushed."
Jeffery is the clear No. 1 receiver. On the first day of practice, his size was most evident. Jeffery is listed at 6-foot-3 and 218 pounds, but he has a broad upper body that stands out when defenders try to cover him. His wide reach allows Wentz to find him, and he's smooth in and out of breaks.
"He's really stood out . . . running routes," coach Doug Pederson said. "Big guy, big catch radius."
Wentz did not want to overstate his impressions of Jeffery because Tuesday was the first day they practiced against the defense, but he also lauded Jeffery's reach and the fact that he knows where to go.
Smith, who is known as a deep threat, will benefit from the attention that goes to Jeffery, Matthews, and tight end Zach Ertz. As the oldest player in the wide receivers meeting room at age 28, Smith also welcomes the responsibility of being a leader in the group. He watches film with Nelson Agholor each morning, and he said he has not been a part of a group during his seven-year career that consistently works as hard as these wide receivers.
Even with Jeffery and Smith in the offense, Matthews will still have a big role. He was the subject of trade speculation this offseason, which Matthews labeled "fake news" and "alternative facts." Pederson said Matthews will be used in the slot, keeping him a key part of the offense. Matthews is entering the final year of his contract, but he said he's paying little attention to his future beyond this season.
Pederson lauded the rapport that Matthews developed with Wentz, and it will be critical for the Eagles that Wentz builds a similar connection with his new targets during the remainder of the offseason program and training camp. It's going to take time for Wentz and Jeffery to reach that level. They work together often in practice, and Pederson said they also threw together on their own time before OTAs. The coach wants them to work together after mandatory minicamp concludes in four weeks. The quarterback and receivers have discussed it already.
"It's a work in progress, no doubt about that," Wentz said. "It's just an ongoing process. You're putting in new plays, new routes, things are always changing. I feel very comfortable with them, but at the same time, we're going to continuously build that relationship."
Tuesday was a big step. The Eagles have run routes only against air before OTAs started, so they could finally work against defenders. And from the first play of 11-on-11 work, Wentz looked in Jeffery's direction. With Jeffery and Smith joining Matthews, the Eagles have an upgraded depth chart. They now must make it work on the field.
"I don't think there's a timetable on it," Smith said. "We just need to be where we're supposed to be. That's our job, and we'll get it done this offseason."
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