NFC Notes: Eagles, Giants, Panthers

Eagles

• Bo Wulf of The Athletic projects the Eagles’ Week 1 starting cornerbacks as Ronald Darby and Jalen Mills on the outside with Avonte Maddox operating in the slot. 
• Although, Wulf mentions that Mills has been limited this spring with a lingering foot injury and has “some work to do” towards getting back in shape. 
• If Mills is unable to play in Week 1, Wulf could see Sidney Jones starting as the left cornerback opposite of Darby. 
• Based on the recent trades involving cornerbacks, Wulf believes Rasul Douglas and Jones would likely fetch fifth-round picks if the team were to consider trading one of them. Wulf admits that a fifth-rounder for Douglas probably isn’t worth it.
• As for players competing for a spot on the active roster, Wulf lists OL Ryan Bates, OL Nate Herbig, OL Sua Opeta, LB T.J. Edwards, S Godwin Igwebuike, WR Marken Michel and WR Greg Ward.
• Of this group, Wulf mentions Edwards as his “surprise player” to secure a spot on the 53-man roster. 

Giants

Not only has G Kevin Zeitler been a major upgrade on the field since the Giants traded for him from the Browns, but the veteran offensive lineman has also been mentoring second-year G Will Hernandez and helping him improve on a solid rookie season. 

“He’s been phenomenal, not only as a player but as a teacher, too,” Hernandez said via Dan Salomone of the team’s website. “He’s taught a lot of young guys, including myself, a lot of technique. He was one of the top pass protectors in the league last year, so he definitely has a lot to offer and he’s passing it on to the young guys, myself also, and we’re really glad to have him.”

Panthers

• Max Henson of the Panthers’ official site writes that QB Cam Newton (shoulder) is “heading in the right direction” with his recovery and has progressed from throwing at stationary targets to downfield moving targets. 
• Henson notes that Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey looks “bigger, faster, stronger” this year. 
• According to Henson, Panthers’ second-year S Rashaan Gaulden is “positioning himself” for a starting role opposite of Eric Reid. 
• Panthers HC Ron Rivera said that the free safety position is still up for grabs: “The one position obviously is the free safety spot and we’ve got to see who is going to step up and take that lead.”
• Regarding Panthers; new DT Gerald McCoy, Henson writes that the veteran has an “undeniable presence” in practice and also has the “intangible element” of being a leader.