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Eagles DT Tim Jernigan could have breakout season

Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz raves about the new defensive tackle.

New Philadelphia Eagle Timmy Jernigan speaks to the media during a press conference, Friday, April 7, 2017, in Philadelphia. ( JESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer)
New Philadelphia Eagle Timmy Jernigan speaks to the media during a press conference, Friday, April 7, 2017, in Philadelphia. ( JESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer)Read moreJessica Griffin

If you're looking for a breakout player for the Eagles, consider Tim Jernigan. The Eagles acquired the 24-year-old defensive tackle in a trade from the Baltimore Ravens earlier this offseason, and Jernigan is in line to start and play a key role in the middle of the  defensive line, next to Fletcher Cox.

Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz didn't try to temper expectations.

"I think Tim Jernigan is really going to be a big addition for us," Schwartz said. "He was hard to handle inside. Last year when Fletch had such a good start, that first month, teams adjusted. They started taking him away, and we didn't win enough one-on-ones away from him because that other tackle got the one-on-ones. Well, that happened in OTAs, and Timmy's able to get good pressure."

Cox opened last season with four sacks in the first four games and was named NFC defensive player of the month for September. His production slowed thereafter, and he finished with just 2.5 sacks in the final 12 games. The decline in production was attributed in part to the attention that Cox commanded from other teams, including double teams.

[Eagles practice observations: Barnett learning; Pumphrey active; Wentz hustling]

If that happens this year, Schwartz believes Jernigan can be a difference-maker rushing from the interior. Jernigan had 13 sacks in three seasons as an end in Baltimore's 3-4 defense, including a career-high five sacks in 2016.

A big part of the Eagles' offseason was trying to improve their pass rush. That included drafting Derek Barnett and signing Chris Long. But the addition of Jernigan could be similarly important.

Just ask Schwartz.

"I don't know if it flew under the radar, but it was an important acquisition for us," Schwartz said. "I think that will affect our pass rush as much as bringing a first-round draft pick or veteran player into the mix."

A pitch count for Wentz?

Carson Wentz attempted a franchise-record 607 passes last season. He also had "general soreness" in his elbow, which he said was usual, and now returns for a training camp in which he'll receive more work than he did one year ago.

So will Wentz be on a "pitch count" this summer to help his arm remain strong late in the season?

"To some extent, yeah," Wentz said. "I'm not too worried about it. I've been through a number of camps before. Obviously, this is a little different. It's kind of built into the practice plan in general. But to some extent, yeah."

Extra points

Tight end Adam Zaruba, a Canadian rugby star who signed with the Eagles on Monday, was not at practice  Tuesday. He's still waiting to obtain his visa. …Former Eagles quarterback Michael Vick is a coaching intern with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he has reunited with former Eagles coach Andy Reid. … Wednesday morning the Eagles will hold their final practice before the veterans arrive. The first full-team session will be Thursday.