NFC Notes: Eagles, Giants, Washington

Eagles

Mike Kaye of NJ Advance Media takes a look at the Eagles’ roster and examines 35 players he believes are “roster locks” for the 2020 season. 

• Of the 35 players, Kaye admits that he hesitated to keep QB Nate Sudfeld, but his experience in their offense makes him their ideal No. 2 ahead of second-round QB Jalen Hurts. 
• Kaye writes that backup RB Boston Scott proved to be a “dependable” player and should play behind Miles Sanders. 
• Kaye does not think the Eagles will cut WR DeSean Jackson and expects them to be patient with him like they were with Riley Cooper in 2013. 
• As for second-year WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Kaye believes the receiver needs a “bounce-back” season to stick on the roster. 
• Regarding third-year G Matt Pryor, Kaye writes that he is “likely” to replace G Brandon Brooks, who sustained a season-ending torn Achilles last month. If Pryor is unable to earn a starting role, Kaye notes that he will still have a roster spot given he’s their only backup with viable experience. 
• Kaye also believes veteran backup DT Malik Jackson has “a lot to prove” after missing 2019 with a season-ending injury. Although, Jackson remains a “key rotational piece” for their defensive line. 

Giants

Giants’ first-round OT Andrew Thomas said adjusting to training during the pandemic has been difficult but has been able to stay fit while in Georgia. 

“It’s a huge adjustment,” Thomas said, via Dan Salomone of the team’s official site. “Nobody will be prepared for it, but I’ve just been trying to play the cards that I’ve been dealt. We’re having our meetings online. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to work out because I’m in Georgia, so some of the gyms are open, so I’ve been able to stay in shape and things like that. I’m just trying to make the best of my time that I have.”

Regarding his experience as a right and left tackle in college, Thomas said using the same technique on opposite sides came was natural for him. 

“For me, it’s kind of like a switch in my head that kind of goes off, because the plays and everything are the same, the technique is the same, but everything is flipped to the other side,” Thomas said. “You might be using your right leg for something that would maybe be different on the left side. It’s just getting used to that. But once I get a few repetitions at it, it’s just natural.”

Thomas added that understanding “linebackers’ rotation, alignment” and defensive motions is important toward adjusting to the NFL. 

“It’s just the details. In college, there are a few things that you can get away with. Like you understand where the play is going and you have a general technique that you use for that play. But in the pros, there are changes based on linebackers’ rotation, alignment, what the motions are. I talk about the big picture of understanding what’s going on, what the formation is, things like that, makes a big difference in the plays.”

Washington

Les Carpenter reports that Washington has fired director of the pro personnel department Alex Santos and assistant director Richard Mann II.

• Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap mentions that Washington RG Brandon Scherff likely signed his tag early, having realized that the odds of a long-term deal were not great.
• Scherff was on track to be the highest-paid guard in the NFL but some injuries in the last few years may have made Washington more cautious.
• Fitzgerald adds that Washington may be undergoing some dramatic changes if QB Dwayne Haskins does not play well this season and that due to the uncertainty on the roster, this is a situation where both sides are better off with the player on the tag.
• Washington is expected to have a new team name sooner rather than later, per a source. Team owner Dan Snyder started discussing a new name with the NFL three weeks ago and once wanted an Arena League Football team with the name Warriors. (John Keim)