New Roles For Young Playmakers

A year ago, Brent Celek was trying to prove that he could be a full-time starting tight end in the NFL.

A year ago, Jeremy Maclin was trying to catch up after not reporting to training camp on time as his rookie contract was being negotiated.

A year ago, LeSean McCoy was trying to prove that he could learn the offense as an understudy to Brian Westbrook.

Now, all three of the players are expected to be focal points of one of the most explosive offenses in the league. What a difference a year makes.

"It's definitely a difference, but it's a good difference," McCoy said after setting the Eagles rookie rushing record with 637 yards. "I get to come out here and prove myself to the Philly fans and my teammates."

McCoy said that he spent the offseason improving the strength in his lower body to help him break more tackles in 2010. McCoy is now the featured back after the Eagles parted ways with Westbrook this past offseason. As for Maclin, who was one of the league's top rookie receivers last season, he is taking the approach that his spot on the roster is far from guaranteed.

"I'm still fighting for a job," Maclin said. "I'm the starter right now and I hope I can solidify that."

Celek, a second alternate for the Pro Bowl last year, believes that despite all of the youth the goal for this team remains the same.

"The goal is to win the Super Bowl," Celek said. "There are really only a few changes (from last year). We got a little bit younger. We've got a lot of guys who have a lot of experience even being young."

-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 5:00 p.m., July 29

Bradley: Ready To Rumble

Linebacker Stewart Bradley arrived at training camp on Thursday and he said that he's "ready to rumble" after missing all of the 2009 season with an ACL injury.

"I feel good. I feel really good. I'm excited for this camp. I've trained really hard this offseason. I'm chomping at the bit to get the pads on, get out there and get going," Bradley said.

Bradley said that he expects to be full-go from the start of training camp. Bradley took part in the early portion of the OTAs and showed no ill effect of the knee injury. Bradley did, however, suffer a minor calf injury which sidelined him latter stages of the OTAs.

No stranger to an ACL injury after having suffered one in college, Bradley said the most important thing is that you have to be able to trust the knee.

"You have to be able to trust the knee and know that it's fully healed. I'm confident in this knee," Bradley said. "I'm confident in the job that (head athletic trainer) Rick (Burkholder) and his staff did to get me back and healthy. It's been a long time since I've hit somebody. You don't realize how much you miss that until you can't do it."

Without Bradley, the Eagles used a myriad of combinations to try and solidify the linebacker position in 2009. In addition to his size, strength and range in coverage, the return of Bradley also means the return of one of the leaders on defense.

For more Eagles news, follow us on Twitter @EaglesInsider

-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 4:30 p.m., July 29

Eagles Sign S Antoine Harris

The Eagles announced that they have signed safety Antoine Harris to a contract and waived/injured safety Brett Johnson (hamstring). *Correction - Johnson and the Eagles came to a waived injury settlement.

Harris (5-10, 202) spent the last three seasons (2007-09) with the Atlanta Falcons, playing in 35 games and recording 10 tackles and 11 special teams tackles. In 2009, he played in 10 games and tallied three special teams tackles before being placed on Injured Reserve on 12/22/09 with a knee injury.
 
The 28-year old Harris was originally signed as a rookie free agent out of Louisville by the Tennessee Titans following the 2005 draft, and spent the next two seasons (2005-06) on the team's practice squad.
 
A native of Columbus, OH, Harris started 18 games at Louisville, where he compiled 79 tackles, five interceptions, 20 passes defensed and one fumble recovery after converting from wide receiver to cornerback after his sophomore season.

Johnson was claimed off waivers earlier this month.

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 3:59 p.m., July 29

Well-Traveled Mallett Ready To Rock

From the Deep South to way up North, Martell Mallett has run with a football his whole life. And now that he's getting a chance to stick with the Eagles here at Lehigh, Mallett's making sure that he leaves everything on the field.

Mallett, the reigning most outstanding rookie of the Canadian Football League, split all the running back reps (and some fullback reps) with rookie Charles Scott throughout the first three days of training camp. While that may have tired out the Arkansas-Pine Bluff product, Mallett still managed to impress offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg.

"He had a terrific first year, rookie of the year in Canada," Mornhinweg said. "He can do a lot of things. He can run the football, he can catch the football, he can run routes at a high level for a running back."

Mallett rushed for 1,240 yards (on 5.8 yards per carry) and six touchdowns while also earning a spot on the All-Star team for the British Columbia Lions last year. A performance like that opens the eyes of football scouts everywhere, so Mallett was offered the opportunity to join the Eagles all the way back in January. Now, after a full off-season in the weight room and studying the playbook, Mallett is ready for his chance.

"I just go out and play like it's my last day, practice like it's my last day because you never know when it will be your last day practicing," he said. "That's the type of mindset I come in with every day and that's how I work. So whatever happens happens and I'll know that I have worked hard at the end of the day."

The only thing that seems to be set in stone at running back is that LeSean McCoy is slated to be the No. 1 running back, barring injury. After that, Mike Bell is presumed to have the inside track for the No. 2 role, but Scott, Mallett and roster holdover Eldra Buckley will have an opportunity to make plays this pre-season. But Mornhinweg's advice for all of those competitors is to focus on your own responsibilities.

"Don't be counting numbers, don't worry about anybody else," Mornhinweg said. "Just do your job at the highest level possible, the highest level of consistency possible and then good things tend to happen. That's where most of the fellas are right now."

And it seems that Mallett has bought into that, as he preached the importance of improving his skills at the little things.

"I feel real confident (in pass protecting)," he said. "The offensive line coach (Juan Castillo), he breaks it down real easy for us.

"That's the whole idea, learning every position ... We line in slot, wideout, so ... you have to know every position on the field."

As for the differences between the NFL game and the game up North, Mallett said the adjustment isn't anything to worry about.

"In Canada, it was different," he said. "The running back had freedom to move around in the backfield and never be called for a false start or anything ... but I was just there one year so I'm still used to playing American football. Too much hasn't changed it my mindset."

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 3:40 p.m., July 29
 

OT Howard Not Afraid To Mix It Up

If offensive tackle Austin Howard and defensive end Daniel Te'o-Nesheim keep battling in the one-on-one linemen drills at training camp, they are eventually going to scrap. The battles have been intense and fierce. But Howard has no intent of getting into fisticuffs. He simply wants to make Te'o-Nesheim a better player, and vice versa.

"The purpose of practice is not to get into fights, but to make each other better. He gives me hard work. I give him hard work. It's just a mutual respect that we have for each other," Howard said. "We're going to give each other 100 percent every time. We know that we're trying to make this team. I'm trying to make him better. He's trying to make me better."

A rookie free agent from Northern Iowa, the 6-7, 333-pound Howard was inserted as the backup left tackle during the OTAs. He was the primary left tackle for the rookie and selected veteran workouts. As the veterans are in the process of arriving, Howard understands that he's from a small school and only wants to make it tough for the coaches to release him.

"Really, I have no expectations," Howard said. "I have no expectations from my coaches, from my teammates, anybody. The only thing I expect is out of myself and it's that I give 110 percent every time."

But offensive line coach Juan Castillo has done wonders in the past with small-school players and rookie free agents. Just look at the current starting lineup. Center Jamaal Jackson played at Delaware State and was a rookie free agent. Left guard Todd Herremans hailed from the football powerhouse that is Saginaw Valley State. Howard already has seen first-hand the magic that Castillo can do.

"Coach Castillo, where do I start?" Howard said. "From watching my college film to my practices now, it's like night and day. He's told me that and it's because of inches, centimeters. Hand placement, foot placement. It's little details that are huge in the whole scheme of things."

For more Eagles news, follow us on Twitter @EaglesInsider

-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 1:15 p.m., July 29

Mornhinweg: Kolb Outstanding Early In Camp

Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg explained to new starting quarterback Kevin Kolb prior to the start of training camp that there was two important things that he wanted to see out of him - a high completion percentage and few interceptions.

So far, Mornhinweg likes what he has seen.

"He's been outstanding up to date," Mornhinweg said. "The best qualities that Kevin has, and there are many of them, but the better ones are his quick decision making and his accuracy and his timing. He's got a good amount of skill and ability. I think he's got some guts and some gut instincts as well."

Mornhinweg praised Kolb's ability to learn quickly from his mistakes. The coach understands that there is a potential for some ups and downs with the fourth-year player taking over the reins of the offense. But that doesn't mean Mornhinweg is going to be afraid to unleash Kolb in the passing game with the bevy of weapons at his disposal from receivers like DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin to tight end Brent Celek to running back LeSean McCoy and so forth.

Looking back at when the Eagles worked out the former University of Houston star prior to the 2007 draft, Mornhinweg recalled that the film certainly didn't lie as Kolb was just as good up close and personal as he was in the games.

"The first thing you saw on film was that he made plays. He's a playmaker," Mornhinweg said. "His numbers were very good. He was sort of a dynamic in what they did. We went down to work him out and you could see almost immediately that his skill and ability was high."

For more Eagles news, follow us on Twitter @EaglesInsider

-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 10:50 a.m., July 29

Thursday Morning Practice Recap

The rookies and selected veterans wrapped up their portion of training camp on Thursday morning at Lehigh under some very light rain. Here's what transpired.

Tweetcap from @EaglesInsider

"No Kevin Kolb or Mike Vick this morning, Kafka only QB out there. Long camp, don't need tired arms."

"FG block drills. Coach April, always unconventional, letting Parrish kick soccer balls. http://twitpic.com/29pcb7"

"7on7: Kafka deep to Collins who is covered by Pender. Collins rises high to the ball and gets his hands on it but can't haul it in."

"Lindley in coverage on Collins, overthrown by Kafka ... R Cooper goes low to catch pass from rolling left Kafka."

"Mallett beats Lawrence across the field, looks smooth catching the ball."

"And after I say that Mallett drops a short one from Kafka, heard Lawrence's footsteps."

"OL/DL: Sapp beats McCuller around the edge ... Robinson and Owens consecutively collapse pocket v. Isdaner+Reynolds ... Moncur beats Duncan"

"7on7 RZ: Cooper drops pass in end zone, may have been tipped by Lawrence ... Short completion over middle to Norwood"

"Ryan Hamilton with a right place right time INT after Kafka pass goes through Harbor's hands."

"Norwood 10 yd TD after Chaney slips in coverage."

"And that's it for the morning practice. Make sure to tune it to Training Camp Live! at noon for our exclusive Andy Reid interview."

- The Eagles worked out two wide receivers after practice, seven-year veteran Kelley Washington, most recently of the Baltimore Ravens, and Jared Perry, a Missouri product who spent time in 49ers training camp last year.

Washington, a third-round pick in the 2003 NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, had his best year last in Baltimore when he racked up 34 catches for 431 yards and two touchdowns. At 6-3, 217, the chiseled 30-year-old Washington is an impressive physical specimen.

Perry, 6-1, 180, went undrafted in the 2010 NFL draft and was cut by the 49ers several days ago. At Missouri, he compiled 137 catches for 1,844 yards and 13 touchdowns playing at time alongside Jeremy Maclin and Martin Rucker.

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 10:35 a.m., July 29

Lindley Wants To Earn The Team's Trust

Cornerback Trevard Lindley has a good chance to earn a significant amount of playing time as a rookie. The key is that he needs to show the coaches and his teammates during training camp and the preseason that he can be relied upon to produce.

"I just want to show the coaches that I'm willing to work hard and show the vets that I won't let them down," said the 6-0, 183-pound fourth-round pick from Kentucky.

Lindley is getting plenty of reps here during the rookies and selected vet practices as he and David Pender are the only cornerbacks taking part.

"I'm just trying to come out here every day and work hard. When I get tired, I just tell myself that I'm not tired," Lindley said.

Lindley is not intimidated by the competition after playing in the SEC, which he called "the fastest conference." Lindley held his own in college against the likes of Percy Harvin and Julio Jones. Now, he's combining his talent with coaching from Dick Jauron, who is blessing this team with his 37 years of NFL coaching and playing experience. Jauron points out little things like getting your hands up immediately in press coverage because every tenth of a second can make all the difference at this level.

Of course, Lindley also can impress by making plays on the ball like he did at Kentucky. He set the school record with 34 pass breakups.

"When you see the ball come your way, if you have a chance to make a play on it, make a play," Lindley said. "If you don't, then just don't let the receiver caught the ball."

For more Eagles news, follow us on Twitter @EaglesInsider

-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 10:00 a.m., July 29

Scott: Details Make The Difference

Looking at Charles Scott's immense frame, it's obvious that his specialty is running the ball in between the tackles. The 5-11, 238-pound rookie running back relishes the chance to dole out some punishment while getting a few extra yards.

But with the pads not going on until Saturday, Scott has had to focus on a different aspect of his game - catching the football. And, he's shown thus far in camp that he's adept at hauling in the rock.

"I made a point to practice, practice and practice. I stayed on the JUGS and spent extra time with the quarterbacks in the offseason and back at home," Scott said. "I know that's what is going to be asked of me. It's not just a one-dimensional back here. Everybody here can do it all. They can run routes. They can catch the ball. They can pass block and they can run. Running the ball is the least of your worries."

The sixth-round draft pick out of LSU, who rushed for 1,174 yards and scored 18 touchdowns as a junior in 2008, is trying to find a home on a roster with LeSean McCoy entrenched as the starter, veterans Mike Bell and Eldra Buckley in the mix as well as players like Martell Mallett. Scott and Mallett have been the only backs here during the rookie and selected vet workouts which means plenty of time to fine tune the vast multitude of minutia involved with this offense.

"It's the little things," Scott said. "Even when you get a play down, there are a lot of technical things, little things that make a difference. If you start thinking about how tired you are, you start losing focus. You're making mistakes here and there and that can cost you games."

For more Eagles news, follow us on Twitter @EaglesInsider

-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 9:00 a.m., July 29

Rookies On The Field For Thursday AM Practice

The rookies and some selected veterans have hit the field to warm up for the final practice session before the rest of the veterans arrive later today.

For all the latest updates on what will likely be a short practice, follow @EaglesInsider on twitter at www.twitter.com/EaglesInsider.

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 8:31 a.m., July 29

Harbor Credits Coaches With Transition

Tight end Clay Harbor is the only one of the 13 draft picks not to have played his college ball at a Division I school. However, the fourth-round pick out of Missouri State has held his own during the initial rookie and selected veteran workouts. Harbor praised the coaching staff for his ability to make what has so far been a seamless transition to the NFL.

"This is definitely a different ballgame. More intense. The coaches have done a great job of preparing us mentally and physically," Harbor said. "It's a positive for the coaches that we can get out there and do that, rookies like myself and the rest of us can get out there without missing a beat."

It's not just the coaches who have helped out. Quarterback Kevin Kolb knows that he and Harbor didn't have a lot of time to connect during the OTAs in the spring and early summer with Brent Celek entrenched as the top tight end. Harbor explained how Kolb told him before the start of training camp that the two would work together on establishing a rapport.

"He talked to me before camp and told me that we're going to get some work in together and that he would try to look for me over the middle," said Harbor, who has made some nice catches over the middle in traffic thus far. "It went well. He threw me some great balls and found me in the open zone."

A three-time All-America selection, Harbor set the Missouri State record with 150 career catches to go along with 1,906 yards and 10 touchdowns. Harbor is battling Celek, Cornelius Ingram and Martin Rucker for a spot on the team.

-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 4:30 p.m., July 28

Allen Handed The Keys At FS

Because he was going on less than four hours of sleep, you might be tempted to forgive Nate Allen for dropping the first ball thrown to him all day. But that's not how life in the NFL works.

Allen, who didn't get into bed until around 2:30 AM last night and had a 6:15 AM wakeup call, dropped a lob thrown to him during the positional warm-up drills. So did Dick Jauron, Allen's position coach, let the rookie slide on his first practice of training camp? Of course not. Allen had to hit the ground and give Jauron the proverbial 20.

"It was a wakeup call," Allen said. "Just don't drop the ball. I don't know what happened on that, but those pushups definitely woke me up."

To his credit, Allen didn't drop another ball all practice and impressed the coaches, specifically head coach Andy Reid, with his knowledge of the defense.

"He didn't look like he had missed much from the mental standpoint," Reid said. "We threw a few different formations at him and he seemed to make all the adjustments well and he's making all the calls back there.

"Nate's very intelligent. I think he has very good ball skills. I know somehow he got labeled as not being a physical guy, I think he's a very physical player. Off of what he did in college, I'll be curious to see again how he sustains once the veterans get in here and we start cranking it up, but I would expect he'll do very well there.

"(Free safety) is tough from the standpoint that you're making a lot of calls and you have to get people lined up so you can't be shy and then you've got to be able to recognize what's going on in front of you. You can tell how the players respect him, at least in the mini-camps, where they knew that he knew how to make the adjustments, so they had some trust there and that's an important part of it. The rest of it becomes a physical thing and I think he has the skill to do it."

And those are the reasons that Reid confirmed that right now Allen, the 37th overall pick of the 2010 NFL draft, is the Eagles starting free safety.

"It's an opportunity," Allen said. "I just know I have to learn as much as I can because I'm still learning and just getting in with the veteran guys and the coaches and just trying to take advantage, make plays and help the team win.

"You just need to run with it because it's your chance to show what you can do and you just need to learn as much as you can. That's what I'm trying to do right now."

Allen said that sitting at home and missing camp was killing him, because he wanted nothing more than to be out on the field. The level-headed Allen has a thirst for knowledge and said himself that "every rep counts."

"I was talking to my agent, pushing him like, 'Hey, when's a deal going to get done?' because I was just ready to get up here and start working," Allen said. "I felt like I was getting behind, but I'm glad to be up here finally."

As for Allen's command of the playbook, the rookie knows you can never be too prepared.

"I feel confident in what we doing so far, but I have a lot to go and I have a lot to learn still," he said. "It's just getting comfortable in it because I've only been in the system a couple of months, but that's no excuse. I have to take it and run with it and get in the playbook."

So for Allen, the next three weeks or so will be all about studying the playbook all day and then implementing that knowledge when he's on the football field. Well, that and catching up on some sleep.

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 12:44 p.m., July 28

Wednesday Morning Practice Recap

Tweet-cap from @EaglesInsider:

"Rookie WR Kevin Jurovich not practicing after picking up a knock during yesterday's 2nd practice." *Andy Reid later said that Jurovich was out with a quad contusion.

"Mr. Allen going through warm-ups w/ position coach Dick Jauron + coach Zordich tossing him the ball. http://twitpic.com/29f8ue

"7v7: Lindley locked everyone down on that set of plays from the "1s" ... He's having an impressive camp so far."

"OL/DL 1 on 1s ... Tupou stands up Moncur ... Sapp swims right past Howard ... Te'o beats McCuller ... Shipley great recovery v. Owens"

"Howard bounces back v. Sapp ... Owens shows nice push up the middle v. Shipley ... Boo Robinson shows strength to push Z Duncan back"

"Most impressed by Te'o-Nesheim and Tupou in that drill."

"7 on 7 Red Zone, defense winning this session. Young LBs Chaney, Clayton + Lawrence all looking good in coverage. Chaney w/ a near INT."

"Kafka throws TD to R. Cooper, who beat Pender on a post ... Kolb 5 yd TD to Hall"

- Nate Allen had his first practice after signing late last night. Actually, Allen said he didn't get in his bed until around 2:30 AM last night and had a 6:15 AM wake-up call, so he's going on less than four hours sleep. Still, Reid said that the rookie looks like he hasn't missed a step from the spring and is still the No. 1 free safety right now.

"It's an opportunity and I know I just have to learn as much as I can because I'm still learning and just get in with the veteran guys and the coaches and just try to take advantage and make plays and try to help the team win," Allen said.

- In his post-practice press conference, Andy Reid singled out rookie defensive end Daniel Te'o-Nesheim for impressing in the first two practices, especially in the offensive line/defensive line one-on-ones. He also said that, among the offensive linemen, Austin Howard, Dallas Reynolds and Fenuki Tupou have looked good.

- Regarding the release of Alex Hall, Reid said that he thinks Hall will be a good player in the league, but he's just not a fit schematically. Reid said he's a much better fit as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.

- Finally, a year to the day of the passing of Jim Johnson, Reid talked about how much the legendary defensive coordinator is missed.

"I think we all miss him," Reid said. "I think all of us in the tent here miss him, but I guess there are a couple lessons we can learn. I mean, time moves on and it's a crazy thing, life's a crazy thing. We all need to live each day to the fullest and I think we all learned that from (Johnson) if we didn't know it before, we learned it from him. But, we all would love to have him here ... We all remember him. I think everybody respects him."

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 10:45 a.m., July 28

S Allen Signed; LB Hall Released To Make Room

After agreeing to terms with the Eagles last night, rookie safety Nate Allen has officially signed his four-year contract and will practice this morning with the rest of the team at 8:30 AM.

To make room for Allen on the 80-man roster, the Eagles released LB/DE Alex Hall, who was acquired as part of the Sheldon Brown/Chris Gocong trade to Cleveland Browns along with a fourth- and fifth-round pick.

According to head coach Andy Reid, Allen is the frontrunner to start at free safety opposite Quintin Mikell. For all the latest updates from the practice field, including how Allen looks on his first day in camp, follow us on www.twitter.com/EaglesInsider.

And for all the highlights and reaction from the practice, be sure to tun in to Training Camp Live! hosted by Dave Spadaro here at noon.

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 8:09 a.m., July 28

Eagles Agree To Terms With Nate Allen

Second-round pick Nate Allen has agreed to a four-year deal. The rookie safety will report to training camp on Wednesday and be made available to the media.

The Allen signing leaves first-rounder Brandon Graham as the only remaining Eagles draft pick unsigned. Only one first-round pick from the 2010 NFL draft, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant, has been signed.

The 37th overall pick, Allen is expected to start at free safety opposite Quintin Mikell, though he will be pushed by Quintin Demps and seventh-rounder Kurt Coleman. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound South Florida product finished his collegiate career having started 39 straight games and amassing 224 tackles and nine interceptions.

To find out more about Allen in his own words, check out his Rookie Spotlight here.

The news was broken by our own Dave Spadaro on www.twitter.com/EaglesInsider. Follow the EaglesInsider twitter for all the training camp updates and breaking news.

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 7:41 p.m., July 27

McDermott: Speed, Football Savvy Highlight LB Corps

A few years ago, it was OK for the Eagles to feature run-stopping linebackers because of the rough and tumble teams they faced in the NFC East. You needed the big bodies to handle the likes of Brandon Jacobs, Marion Barber and Clinton Portis.

That doesn't work anymore. Sure, those three backs are still in the division, but you have to account for home run hitters like Felix Jones and the pass catching tight ends that can wreak havoc in the middle of the field.

The Eagles linebacking corps will have a much different look come opening day if everything falls into place. Former first-round pick Ernie Sims will man the weakside position. Last year's seventh-round pick Moise Fokou showed enough ranginess and toughness to work on the strong side. And, of course, the Eagles welcome the return of Stewart Bradley, who missed all of last season with a knee injury.

"Stewart, his value, in terms of what he brings to this defense both on and off the field, you can't put a number on it, you really can't," defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said Tuesday. "What he does for us in the huddle, what he does for us in between plays and let's keep in mind he's still a young player. From my standpoint, he's the guy that's going to quarterback the defense and he's going to know the defense as well as I know the defense and by situation, make checks to put us in the right defense. It'll be a significant addition to our defense having Stewart back."

And while you might think the Eagles are placing a high emphasis on speed at the linebacker position, they aren't just putting track stars out on the field.

"When you have speed on the field it gives you a lot of different options. Speed is one thing, but speed with football instincts is another thing," McDermott said. "I think when you mention Ernie and Stewart and the guys that can run, and Keenan (Clayton), you've got guys that are football players, football savvy players that have the speed and the ability to run with tight ends and receivers down the field."

-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 3:15 p.m., July 27

S Coleman Impresses On First Morning

It's tough for the defense to stand out in a non-contact practice, especially a rookie-laden defense going up against veteran passers like Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick. But one player on defense was able to stand out during the first practice of this year's training camp, seventh-round safety Kurt Coleman. After missing out on the Organized Team Activities because of Ohio State's late graduation date, perhaps Coleman just wanted to make sure the coaches and fans didn't forget about him.

Coleman is working at both safety spots, though he spent more time today at free safety, and he made his biggest impression on the final play of the red zone session of 7-on-7 drills. With the ball "snapped" at the 5-yard line, Michael Vick dropped back quickly and spotted running back Martell Mallet cutting back across the middle of the field. Vick then tossed it quickly to Mallett, who looked like he had a sure touchdown. Looked like one that is.

"They came out in what was a little tricky formation for us and we got the call at the last second from the corners and the linebackers and I just let the play sort out and I saw (Mallett) coming across the middle and decided to jump the play," Coleman said.

Coleman dislodged the ball from Mallett as he was crossing the goal line and, if the pads had been on, Mallett would have been on the ground.

"It would have been a nice hit if the pads were on," Coleman said.

The play showcased both Coleman's athletic ability and his command of the defense, which is especially impressive considering the time he missed in the spring - something that is not lost on defensive coordinator Sean McDermott.

"Kurt's a smart football player and he's handled himself extremely well," McDermott said after practice. "What he showed me today is that he's been working. He's worked with the coaches during the offseason. He's been very studious in the way he's approached the time when he was away from us.

"The way he handled himself out there this morning, you would have never known he was away for about a month which is to his credit."

Of Coleman's pass breakup at the goal line, McDermott added "that's playing Philadelphia defense right there."

Coleman acknowledged the difficulty of missing OTAs, but said that he did everything he could to keep up to speed.

"It really is just getting caught up in the playbook," said Coleman, who was visited by coaches Dick Jauron and Mike Zordich during their vacation. "The playbook is really very complicated and there are a lot of things that you want to see out here on the practice field that you don't get to see when you're just looking through the playbook. I was able to watch a lot of film and talk with the coaches and I think I'm getting caught up to speed."

As for where he fits in the big safety picture for this roster, Coleman feels that he's got a great chance to stake claim not only to a roster spot, but to playing time as well. Aside from Quintin Mikell, no one is guaranteed of anything in what is a young position group. Quintin Demps is the only other veteran at the position, though Macho Harris can certainly play there.

"We have Quintin Mikell at strong safety and seems to be that free safety's open," Coleman said. "We have a nickel spot open too. So there's a couple spots open for me to go and grab."

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 1:36 p.m., July 27

McDermott: Graham Will Need Time To Transition

Defensive end Brandon Graham was not present for the first day of practice for the rookies and selected veterans. There is no update on the status of the contract negotiations between the Eagles and the 13th overall draft pick. As of this morning, there is only one first-round draft pick under contract. Defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said on Tuesday that the best 11 players are going to line up when the Eagles take the field this season. But how will he be able to evaluate Graham if he's not in camp?

"I don't want to speculate how long it's going to take here," McDermott said. "That's not for me to be involved with. I trust the powers-that-be that they'll work it out. You guys know as well as I do that if you're not here it's hard to improve as a football player. It's hard to build and contribute when you're not here. We're not waiting on anyone. We're moving forward as a defense. If and when they report, they'll have to get caught up."

Last year, first-round pick Jeremy Maclin, who was 19th overall, missed the start of training camp, but rebounded to have an impressive rookie season catching 56 passes for 773 yards and four touchdowns. He was among the top rookie receivers in the league. However, in 2006, defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley missed a significant portion of training camp and was not able to make an impact his rookie season. Why is it that some players can miss time, but still thrive, while others never get caught up?

"I think it's on a case-by-case basis. Every position is different. Every individual is different," McDermott said. "There is a transition. You guys, as well as I have, have seen it over the years. There's a transition that has to take place, to transition your skills from the collegiate level to the NFL level and to play at a high level which is what we need out of both Brandon and Nate (Allen)."

-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 12:11 p.m., July 27

Tuesday Morning Practice Recap

The Eagles began their three-and-a-half-week training camp early this morning as the rookies and selected veterans filed onto the practice field to get their reps in front of a throng of passionate Eagles fans. From the moment safety Ryan Hamilton stepped onto the field around 8:20 AM until the players finished stretching and headed to the locker room to change, rest and study in between practice two hours later, the team, dressed in shorts and shells, worked on fundamentals and implementing the extensive playbook.

Here's what Bloghead saw during practice numero uno.

• Projected starting left guard Todd Herremans spoke briefly to reporters following a rehab session. Herremans addressed the news from yesterday's Andy Reid press conference that he will begin training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. He stressed that there's nothing to worry about regarding his left foot.
  
  "As for right now, Coach Reid had me come up here early because he wanted me doing rehab and working out up here with the team and the trainers are all up here, so there's nobody back home to train with, to do rehab and stuff with," Herremans said. "We set forth the plan with me and (head athletic trainer) Rick (Burkholder) and Coach Reid and the doctors and we're just going to take it easy this year - not take it easy, I'm working out and staying in shape, but just trying to limit the pounding."
  
  Herremans said that there's no need to push it right now because the goal is to be ready for week 1 when the Green Bay Packers come to town.
  
  "The goal is to be ready for the regular season," he said. "I plan on getting some snaps from preseason to see how that works out, but (probably not the first preseason game.)
  
  "I feel confident in my foot and everything, my knees and the rest of my body. I feel like I'm in the best shape I've ever been in in my life, (we're) just trying to limit the pounding."
   
• As expected without the pads on and facing a defense made up of mostly rookies, Kevin Kolb was picture perfect during 7-on-7 drills. In the first session, he went 5-for-5, completing two passes to Jordan Norwood, one to Riley Cooper, one to Clay Harbor and one to Cornelius Ingram. The Harbor connection was a bullet over the middle that Harbor did very well to snag with his outstretched arms.
  
  Then, during the red zone session of the 7-on-7s, Kolb threw touchdowns to Riley Cooper, Chad Hall and Harbor. The highlight of that particular session was a nice breakup of a touchdown by Kurt Coleman, who dislodged the ball from Martell Mallett as the former CFL running back was crossing the goal line.
   
• No player in particular stood out on the day, but both tight ends were impressive. Harbor caught almost everything thrown his way, save for a diving attempt on a Michael Vick pass. Meanwhile, Ingram did a nice job in his own right, catching everything that hit his hands and showcasing his impressive athleticism again. It's also worth noting that aside from the quarterbacks, Ingram got the most fan support of any player out there.
   
• Ricky Sapp practiced exclusively at defensive end, and defensive coordinator Sean McDermott confirmed that he'll be working there for the next few days.
  
  "I'm just going to go where they tell me to go," Sapp said after practice. "It felt real good to be back at D end today ... (but) I haven't had the pads on in a long time. The feeling of having the pads on is a good feeling, so I'm ready to put the pads on now."
   
• Fourth-round linebacker Keenan Clayton, 6-1, 229, wasn't fazed by the heat on the practice field since he's been working out this summer in his home state of Texas. But he did say it took him a few reps to get back in the flow of things.
  
  "Just getting back in the flow of things, the speed, just getting back out here with the guys and making sure that we had the communication," he said. "Bringing the film room out here to the field, that was probably the biggest adjustment for me. Other than that, everything was fine."
  
  Clayton said that he worked exclusively at the SAM linebacker spot today, but he expects to get some work at WILL when the veterans arrive. Until then, Clayton, Jamar Chaney and Simoni Lawrence are getting every rep at linebacker.
  
  "There's an upside to it and there's a downside to it because we get no break, but then again we're getting a lot of work in and we're getting a chance to get up on the production sheet and given a chance to prove ourselves as far as what we're putting in and our understanding because when the older guys get in, I know the pace is going to pick up a lot faster and then our reps are going to cut down," he said. "So we have to take advantage of it and show what we can do while they're giving us a chance to.
  
  "I am really looking forward to (making my first hit when the pads come on), because that's how I have to make my mark. Everybody gives me a hard time because I'm a little underweight, but when the pads come on, we'll see."
   
• Former Eagles Duce Staley and Shawn Barber are both in camp as summer coaching interns.
   
• No new updates on the two unsigned rookies, Nate Allen and Brandon Graham. Allen's deal is considered closer on the horizon than Graham's

-- Posted by Bo Wulf and Chris McPherson, 11:41 a.m., July 27

Training Camp Updates

For all of you die-hard fans chomping at the bit for the latest news from training camp practice, here's the plan.

PhiladelphiaEagles.com will have up-to-the-minute news from the practice field at www.twitter.com/eaglesinsider, or @EaglesInsider if you're already on twitter.

Then, following practice, we'll post a complete practice wrapup here on Bloghead, along with news from press conferences and player interviews.

So keep checking PhiladelphiaEagles.com throughout the day for all the news on the first day of football here at Lehigh.

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 8:30 a.m., July 27

Reid: No Update On Graham, Allen

As of Monday night, the Eagles still have not agreed to terms with its top two draft picks - defensive end Brandon Graham and safety Nate Allen.

Head coach Andy Reid said that the team is closer to coming to an agreement with Allen than with Graham.

""I think it's important that they're here," Reid said. "These three days are great training for the young players and both these two are going to have a role on our defense, so as many reps as they can get will be very important. I think if you lose a day, you lose an opportunity to get better.""

Graham, the 13th overall selection, is not alone as only one first-round pick has signed to date - wide receiver Dez Bryant of the Cowboys, who was the 24th overall pick. Reid compared the Graham negotiations to a third-and-2 ... or in other words, crunch time.

"Nobody around (Graham) has done anything. There's one first round pick that's really signed. To me it's crunch time, but I'm not sure that urgency is there, and I'm not saying with Brandon, but with the agents that are involved with all of these first round picks," Reid said. "To me it's third-and-2. I've got to make that call right now. It's a shame for these kids. Every day that they get is a good day for them."

The Eagles' first practice takes place Tuesday morning at 8:45 a.m. The rookies and selected vets have five practices before the vets report on Thursday.

-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 10:20 p.m., July 26

Reid: Three To Start On PUP List

Head coach Andy Reid announced on Monday that three players will start training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list - defensive end Victor Abiamiri, guard Todd Herremans and center Jamaal Jackson.

Abiamiri underwent microfracture surgery in the offseason, but on Monday he said that he's "optimistic" that he'll be ready for the start of the season.

Herremans had a stress fracture in his foot last season which caused him to miss the beginning of the season. Reid said the injury is "not bothering" Herremans, but he wanted to see first-hand exactly where the veteran guard is at.

Jackson is recovering from an ACL injury that happened in Week 16 of the regular season. While there is a chance that Jackson might miss all of training camp, he is able to run and do some drill work.

Reid said that none of the rookies or selected vets who reported on Monday will need to go on the PUP list.

-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 10:06 p.m., July 26

Reid: Vick Learned From Mistake

Andy Reid addressed the media on Monday evening to kick off his 12th training camp as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. Most of the press conference centered around Michael Vick, who was in the spotlight this summer after a shooting took place outside of the establishment that hosted his 30th birthday party.

Vick reported with the rookies and selected vets to Lehigh University on Monday and told reporters that his first phone call following the incident was to Reid.

"I talked to Michael right after the situation happened," Reid said. "He called me and told me what happened and it was the same story all the way through. The story didn't change. Law enforcement people proved that fact, so I'm just going to leave it at that. I'm not going to get into all of the details of it. I will just say so we can move on here I think that Michael learned from it and just make sure that he's a little bit more aware of the situation he puts himself in."

Vick left the party before the shooting took place and is not facing any discipline from the league. He is taking part in his first practice at Lehigh University on Tuesday. Remember, Vick was signed by the Eagles last August.

-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 9:54 p.m., July 26

Kolb Prepared On Training Camp Eve

Tomorrow morning, Kevin Kolb will hit the practice field at Lehigh University for his first training camp as the No. 1 quarterback of the Eagles. Today, he arrived around 4 p.m. and talked briefly to a throng of reporters about how much things have changed since last year.

"It's exciting," Kolb said. "It's something I've been waiting for for a long time and I'm looking forward to the opportunity.

"This is as important as it gets for us and ... we're a young team and we have to build a little bit more rapport, but I think there's a lot there to build off of. There's plenty of talent. All it takes now is hard work and we're definitely going to do that part of it."

Kolb, who is rooming with tight end Brent Celek while he's here, said that he doesn't have any different approach now that he's "the man."

"I just do my thing," he said. "I've been thrown in some situations throughout my whole career, and I've always leaned back on just playing football and that's what I'm going to do here. I don't want to get too caught up in trying to fill Donovan (McNabb's) shoes or being the quarterback of the Eagles, I just want to play the game like I know how and distribute the ball to the athletes around me.

"It's a physical and mental thing. I worked really hard this off-season, the last couple weeks included. Again, I look forward to getting on the field and proving (myself) and watching what this team can do."

So tomorrow, Kolb will work with a slew of young receivers, tight ends and running backs in advance of the arrival of the veterans on Thursday. But just because a guy like Blue Cooper isn't going to be starting game 1 for the Eagles, doesn't mean that Kolb isn't going to get anything out of practice. The more reps you can get in the offense, the better, and, after a three-year apprenticeship, Kolb is perfecting his handle on the offense.

"I think it fits me great," he said. "I feel like we all work really well together and that's one of the things that will hopefully take us to the next level."

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 9:43 p.m., July 26