NFC Notes: Eagles, Giants, Washington

Eagles

• Adam Caplan and Geoff Mosher of InsideTheBirds.com think the final running back spot will come down to either Kerryon Johnson, Jordan Howard or Boston Scott. Caplan mentions that fifth-round RB Kenneth Gainwell makes Scott redundant, while Mosher doesn’t trust Johnson to stay healthy. 
• Caplan writes that while anything could still happen, at this point former second-round WR JJ Arcega-Whiteside is a longshot to make the team heading into training camp. 
• NJ.com’s Mike Kaye says Eagles TE Jack Stoll has the best chance of any of the team’s five remaining undrafted free agents to make the team given the No. 3 tight end job is wide open. 
• Kaye also mentions to keep an eye on G Kayode Awosika and WR Jhamon Ausbon to push for at least practice squad spots, as Awosika has athleticism as a converted tackle and Ausbon worked with Eagles WR coach Aaron Moorehead in college. 

Giants

• NJ.com’s Zack Rosenblatt notes Giants DT Austin Johnson will compete with DT Danny Shelton to start at nose tackle this season. 
• The Giants clearly prioritized signing RB Devontae Booker in the first wave of free agency as an insurance policy in case Saquon Barkley isn’t ready to start the season. Giants GM Dave Gettleman called Booker a “three-down running back.” (Rosenblatt)
• Former Giants’ Vice President of Communication Corry Rush has been hired by the 49ers to a “higher-level role” with their organization.  (Paul Schwartz)

Washington

Washington RB Antonio Gibson felt like was “showing progress” throughout his rookie season and expects a better year in 2021. 

“Last year was still a learning process for me,” Gibson said, via John Keim of ESPN. “I got the hang of it as the season went on and I started showing progress. But … I feel like I should be able to show a lot of different things this year.”

Washington HC Ron Rivera said that Gibson has shown a better understanding of their system and “natural instincts” on the field. 

“You can tell he’s matured, got a better feel and understanding,” Rivera said. “Those natural instincts that you look for, the intangibles that guys that have been playing the positions their whole career naturally have. You start to see those come to light with Antonio. It’s exciting.”

Washington RBs coach Randy Jordan wants Gibson to develop as a pass-catcher and thinks it’s something they haven’t extensively focused on.

“The biggest thing for him is continuing to progress, not only as a runner but as a pass-catcher,” Jordan said. “That’s something we haven’t really tapped in[to] a lot.”