Inquirer.com – Zurich DR

Author: Ryan Novozinsky

  • After meeting a legend, ‘rare guy’ Riq Woolen is even more fired up about being an Eagle

    After meeting a legend, ‘rare guy’ Riq Woolen is even more fired up about being an Eagle

    Riq Woolen stopped in his tracks. Following Thursday’s practice, the newest Eagles defensive back was sprinting off the field when he was waved down by one of his all-time favorite players: Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins.

    Woolen — who is the second tallest cornerback in the league — was enamored by the Eagles legend’s build at 52 years old.

    “He’s big as hell,” Woolen said with a laugh. “I didn’t expect him to be that big, bro.”

    People inside the building have been saying similar things about Woolen since he signed with the Eagles. Woolen, 27, is not your typical corner. Whereas other defensive backs stand at an average height of 5-foot-11 according to Joker Mag, Woolen has an impressive 6-foot-4, 210-pound frame. This physical advantage made him a Pro Bowler in 2022 and a key cog in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl run last season.

    These traits are the reason why general manager Howie Roseman handed him a one-year deal worth up to $15 million in March. With Woolen, Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean in the defensive backfield, the Eagles now have three Pro Bowl cornerbacks for the first time in team history.

    Riq Woolen has an atypical build for an NFL cornerback. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    So, how are things going with this potentially dominant trio so far?

    “It’s pretty cool because it’s just learning how to fit in with these guys,” Woolen said Thursday. “I know my personality, I get along well with everybody. So just being able to become close with these guys, that’s all I really care about.

    “I’ve got to be the best version of myself, and for me to do that, I’ve got to be comfortable with them, and they’ve got to be comfortable with me, and they’ve got to get to know me, and I’ve got to know them.”

    Woolen has had an excellent start to his NFL career, collecting Super Bowl hardware and 12 total interceptions. He could have signed with plenty of teams in free agency, but he said team culture brought him to the Eagles.

    “Honestly, just the culture here is just an amazing culture,” Woolen said. “They preach to us we got to work hard. It’s a hard working team. Everybody in this organization works hard. So just being able to be coached by them, I feel like it’s going to help me as a player and it’s going to push me to be a great person.”

    Riq Woolen reached a Pro Bowl and won a Super Bowl in four seasons with the Seahawks. Kyusung Gong

    It might not be a long-term marriage. The Eagles still need to pay Mitchell and DeJean, so Woolen could possibly serve as a one-year mercenary. But if he can replicate his elite production from Seattle with the Eagles, Roseman certainly won’t complain. Since his rookie season, Woolen has limited quarterbacks to a 54.2 completion percentage, which ranks 14th of the 139 corners (with at least 100 targets). He recorded his fourth consecutive season with 10-plus passes defended last year.

    Woolen’s new defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, is thrilled about what he can do in the Eagles’ defense.

    “Well, he’s a rare guy in that you don’t see many corners in the league that are 6-foot-4,” Fangio said in May. “You don’t see many that are 6-foot-2 or even 6-foot-1 and there’s a reason for that. It’s hard to find guys at those heights that can move and mirror receivers that are hard to cover. He can do that for a guy his height. He can get in and out of breaks. He obviously has good downfield speed and his length is more of an asset than a detriment in his case.

    “I’m excited to have him. He’s been here since we started the offseason. Seems to be a great guy. He’s into being here and really looking forward to working with him.”

  • Saquon Barkley says he loves the challenge of ‘learning a new language’ in Sean Mannion’s offense

    Saquon Barkley says he loves the challenge of ‘learning a new language’ in Sean Mannion’s offense

    Saquon Barkley has long been an admirer of the wide zone run scheme. He’d study film of running backs like Todd Gurley — who thrived with the Los Angeles Rams under Sean McVay — and think about what he might look like in an offense like that.

    Now he doesn’t have to daydream.

    The Eagles held their first training camp practice of 2026 on Wednesday, which means Barkley and Co. got another important taste of life under first-year offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, whose playbook looks similar to McVay and Kyle Shanahan’s. It’s only Day 1, but the play calls were a major deviation from the inside zone-heavy Eagles offenses of the past. This was evident from the very first play, when Jalen Hurts — lined up under center — ran a stretch toss in “12″ personnel (1 running back, 2 wide receivers, 2 tight ends).

    How fired up is Barkley about these changes? He spent nearly a minute lauding them after Wednesday’s practice.

    “I’ve always been intrigued with this kind of system,” Barkley said. “Watching it kind of from afar and seeing a lot of guys have a lot of success in it. The thing that changes for me is we coach it a little bit different. Outside zone and wide zone, the read is pretty much the same, but just trying to get more of a one-cut mindset.

    “I feel like naturally in my career, unless you are in a system like in college, most of us come from gun and playing shotgun. … You’re more natural to a duo, or to like an inside zone. Then, when you get into the NFL, you see a lot of guys struggle with outside zone in the beginning, but I’ve been working on that the whole time and just having that one-cut mentality, but still doing it in a way that I like to get out of the cut and being efficient and being aligned with the offensive line and in the play and making it work.”

    Saquon Barkley’s ability to click in the running game will take pressure off Jalen Hurts (right) and the passing attack. Chris Szagola

    Barkley’s excitement for a new system likely stems from his struggles (relative to his usual success) in the Eagles’ offense last season. The 29-year-old rushed for 1,140 yards and seven touchdowns under OC Kevin Patullo, as the Eagles went 11-6 and lost to the 49ers in the wild-card round. This came one year after Barkley’s dream first season in Philadelphia, during which he became the ninth player in NFL history to eclipse 2,000 yards and logged 13 rushing touchdowns en route to a Super Bowl crown.

    Of course, it’s only Day 1. Growing pains and adjustments are inevitable. But with Mannion in the mix, Barkley feels rejuvenated — even if it means “starting from scratch.”

    “I think it’s pretty cool that you start it from scratch again,” Barkley said. “Learning a new language, getting familiar with a new system. It’s fun. The way you take notes is a little bit different than you would … It’s going to put you in a spot to do something new, something you may not be used to. But as a competitor, you welcome that challenge.”

  • Eagles place linebacker Jonathan Greenard on Physically Unable to Perform list with pectoral injury

    Eagles place linebacker Jonathan Greenard on Physically Unable to Perform list with pectoral injury

    The Eagles received some unfortunate injury news to kick off training camp.

    The team announced Wednesday that linebacker Jonathan Greenard is being placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list (PUP). Greenard, 31, suffered a pectoral strain while lifting before training camp, which began Wednesday. The team noted that the injury is “not expected” to be a long-term concern.

    General manager Howie Roseman spoke about the injury prior to Wednesday’s training camp practice.

    “One of the things we know about Greenard, he’s going to be ready to play,” Roseman said. “He’s going to be ready to play when we start the season. … This is nothing we’re concerned about.”

    Greenard was limited to 12 games with the Minnesota Vikings last season due to a left shoulder injury. He had surgery this past offseason.

    Eagles practice updates: Recap of training camp day one; Lane Johnson praises new offense; first look at top draft pick

    This is a blow to an Eagles edge rusher group that was banking on Greenard topping the depth chart. After Jaelan Phillips signed with the Carolina Panthers in free agency, the Eagles traded third-round picks in 2026 and 2027 for Greenard on April 24. He then signed a four-year, $100 million contract that includes $50 million guaranteed.

    The two returning edge rushers in the rotation are Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith Jr., who are now set to get increased reps in training camp.

    Ex-Atlanta Falcon Arnold Ebiketie signed a one-year deal worth more than $7 million this offseason and will also factor into the rotation. Former Buffalo Bill A.J. Epenesa, rookie seventh-round pick Keyshawn James-Newby, and Jose Ramirez are also fighting for reps at the position.

  • Eagles newcomers ’26: Can Uar Bernard deliver on hopes for a feel-good story?

    Eagles newcomers ’26: Can Uar Bernard deliver on hopes for a feel-good story?

    With Eagles training camp drawing nearer, The Inquirer is taking a closer look at the more than three dozen new faces who are expected to report along with the rest of the team on July 28.

    Player: Uar Bernard

    Position: Defensive tackle

    Age: 21

    Previous experience: Bernard doesn’t have any previous experience in football. The Eagles picked him in the seventh round (No. 251 overall) in April’s draft. The native of Nigeria is a product of the NFL’s International Player Pathway program who impressed scouts with his superb athleticism and frame. The 6-foot-4 Bernard boasts just 6% body fat (despite being 306 pounds) and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.63 seconds.

    Two coaches in Nigeria — and an ex-New York Giant — helped Uar Bernard reach the NFL. Back then, he had a nickname: ‘Bigfoot’

    Path to a roster spot: It’s difficult to predict Bernard’s chances of making the roster, since he’s such a raw prospect. The main factor is whether the Eagles want to risk putting him on the practice squad, which would expose him to being signed by other teams. He’ll need to make enough progress to show that he can occupy a roster spot, and the Eagles will need to come out of camp deep enough along the defensive line to allow it to happen.

    Fun fact: Bernard’s original plan was to go into real estate. His football journey began when a coach noticed him while playing basketball in his village in Nigeria.

    Quotable: “Before the IPP, I was introduced to football by [former NFL player] Osi Umenyiora,” Bernard said on draft night. “So I was back home watching drills about pass rush and walking into the trenches with my coaches back home, learning techniques. … But I can walk into the trenches.”

    Carson Steele appeared in all 20 games with the Chiefs in 2024 (regular season and playoffs), including 11 special teams snaps against the Eagles in the Super Bowl. John Bazemore

    Player: Carson Steele

    Position: Fullback

    Age: 23

    Previous experience: Steele is entering his third NFL season. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2024 after stints at Ball State and UCLA. Steele was waived by the Chiefs last August and spent the season on the practice squad. The Eagles signed him to a reserve/future contract in January.

    Path to a roster spot: It remains to be seen whether the Eagles will keep a fullback. Tight end Cameron Latu transitioned to fullback last season and was a decent blocker. Steele also has special teams value — his last meaningful snaps came there against the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. Steele making the team over Latu rests on his training-camp output and versatility.

    Fun fact: Steele had an impactful rookie season, was named an alternate for the Pro Bowl following the 2024 season, and finished second behind Baltimore’s Patrick Ricard for AFC fullbacks in the Pro Bowl voting.

    Quotable: “My main goal was to try be like a Swiss Army knife, try to do it all,” Steele told Kansas City reporters in 2024, when describing his play style.

  • Why Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata ‘absolutely loves’ the new offensive scheme

    Why Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata ‘absolutely loves’ the new offensive scheme

    Jordan Mailata knows all too well that this Eagles season is going to look very different.

    The team’s left tackle is experiencing firsthand the sweeping changes that were made this offseason — like moving on from its offensive coordinator, longtime offensive line coach, and No. 1 wide receiver — and he knows it’ll take time for them to sink in.

    So, with training camp just over a week away, the sixth-year veteran said he and his teammates are focused on just one thing.

    Eagles first-round wide receiver Makai Lemon says he’s ’100 percent’ for camp after missing final OTAs

    “It’s just learning the playbook,” Mailata said, speaking at Art History 101 Clothing Co. in Mayfair to celebrate the launch of the store’s T-shirt made in his honor. “There’s no, like, pressure to come in any sort of way. The season’s long, training camp’s long, so the mindset of the team has never changed. I mean, daily deposits. Yeah, it’s good to even have the same vets that carry over.

    “Just because we’re in a new system doesn’t mean that the daily grind changes.”

    The new playbook in question is the brainchild of new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, who is expected to implement a wide zone scheme with concepts that look similar to those of Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan. If executed properly, the wide zone blocking concepts will stretch opposing defenses horizontally. Mailata said he is excited about the potential of this new scheme.

    Jordan Mailata said of Sean Mannion implementing a wide zone run scheme: “It’s going to stress defenses and it’s going to be fun.”Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer

    “I absolutely love it,” he said. “It’s a new challenge. Very easy to follow along, but hard to remember, just because there’s so much to setting up the plays. But so far it’s been fun. You’re having a great time just learning this new offense because it’s something that we’re not familiar with. It’s a whole new direction, going into an outside direction.

    “It’s going to stress defenses and it’s going to be fun.”

    Teaching Mailata and Co. these concepts is offensive line coach Chris Kuper, who replaced 13-year line coach Jeff Stoutland in February. Getting used to a new face has been an adjustment — especially for Mailata, a former Australian rugby player who learned to play the sport from Stoutland — but the early reviews of Kuper, who played eight years in the NFL, have been positive.

    “He brings a lot to the table, especially for me, who’s had the same coach for the last eight years,” said Mailata, who added that Kuper’s experience has been a “tremendous boost“ with Mannion’s new scheme. “Having someone new coming to the table with a new technique, new things to offer me, it’s refreshing. It’s nice because I’m not one to always say, ‘I know everything, I’m the best.’ That’s not me. So if you have something to offer me, I’m always going to sit down and say, ‘Yes, sir.’ And he has a lot to offer.”

    The offensive line will need to play much better than in its injury-riddled 2025 season, when Lane Johnson missed half the season, and Cam Jurgens and Landon Dickerson played through injury. Mailata played well, allowing just two sacks and 28 pressures on 566 pass protection reps, but the unit will need more cohesion (and better injury luck) if it is to return to its dominant 2024 form.

    As a transformative offseason winds down, Mailata is taking in his last few days by giving back. At the meet-and-greet event in Mayfair on Saturday, Eagles fans lined up for hours just to speak to and take photos with the 6-foot-8 lineman. He greeted every fan as if he knew them for years.

    “Everybody needs some positivity right now,” said Brian Fritz, who helped organize the event at Art History 101. “There’s no better representative of Philly than Jordan Mailata. He’s not from here, but it feels like he is.”

  • Eagles newcomers ‘26: J.T. Gray brings All-Pro pedigree to the special teams unit

    Eagles newcomers ‘26: J.T. Gray brings All-Pro pedigree to the special teams unit

    With Eagles training camp drawing nearer, The Inquirer is taking a closer look at the more than three dozen new faces who are expected to report along with the rest of the team on July 28.

    Player: J.T. Gray

    Position: Safety

    Age: 30

    Previous experience: Gray is a veteran safety with eight years of NFL experience. His primary position is safety, but he cut his teeth as a special teamer, even earning a first-team All-Pro nod there with the Saints in 2021. He spent his first seven years in the league with the Saints before bouncing around to the Ravens, Broncos, and Buccaneers. The Eagles signed him to a one-year contract in March.

    Path to a roster spot: Gray’s chances of making the final 53 are decent. He’s just two years removed from being a second-team All-Pro special teamer, so he’d bring much-needed experience to that unit. He also has some safety experience, which projects as the Eagles’ weakest position group at present.

    Fun fact: Gray’s nickname in New Orleans was “kingpin” because he’s an avid bowler. His best score was a 285.

    Quotable: “I’m certainly a little biased, I coach him every day, but I don’t know if there’s a core special teams player in the league that I would trade J.T. Gray for,” said former Saints coach Darren Rizzi. “He’s an outstanding gunner. That’s where he probably gets most of his recognition, but at the same time, here’s a guy who’s really good in the return game as a blocker.”

    Tight end Dae’Quan Wright (8) was part of a College Football Playoff team at Ole Miss last year. Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-Imagn

    Player: Dae’Quan Wright

    Position: Tight end

    Age: 22

    Previous experience: The Eagles signed Wright as an undrafted free agent in May. He played four years of college football at Virginia Tech (2022-23) and Ole Miss (2024-25). The Athletic’s Dane Brugler described him as a “joker” tight end “whose snap count should increase with every game.”

    Path to a roster spot: It won’t be an easy road for Wright to make the final roster. His college resumé wasn’t stellar, and he’ll have to beat out a crowded tight end room that features Dallas Goedert, rookie Eli Stowers, Johnny Mundt, Grant Calcaterra, Stone Smartt, and E.J. Jenkins, among others.

    Fun fact: Wright’s first position at Perry High School in Georgia was quarterback. He once threw an 85-yard touchdown and claims he can “still do that.”

    Quotable: “It’s a big opportunity that I’ve been dreaming of since I was a kid,” Wright said, when asked about his path to the NFL by CBS News. “So it’s definitely been on my mind a lot.”

  • Eagles newcomers ’26: Where does former Buffalo Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa fit into the pass rushing picture?

    Eagles newcomers ’26: Where does former Buffalo Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa fit into the pass rushing picture?

    With Eagles training camp drawing nearer, The Inquirer is taking a closer look at the more than three dozen new faces who are expected to report along with the rest of the team on July 28.

    Player: A.J. Epenesa

    Position: Defensive end

    Age: 27

    Previous experience: Epenesa is a veteran defensive end who spent the first six years of his NFL career with the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo selected him in the second round (54th overall) of the 2020 NFL draft. A five-star prospect out of high school, Epenesa played college ball at Iowa. He was the highest-rated recruit to play under head coach Kirk Ferentz.

    The 27-year-old was mostly a rotational piece on Buffalo’s defensive line, but he made the most of his role. His best season came in 2022, when he logged a career-best 6½ sacks, 10 quarterback hits, 14 quarterback pressures and 16 tackles. He initially signed with the Browns this offseason, though Cleveland eventually called off the deal because of a failed physical. The Eagles signed him on June 10.

    Path to a roster spot: Boasting a decent NFL resumé as a situational pass rusher, Epenesa has a strong chance to make the 53-man roster if he stays healthy. He likely won’t start a game this season — which is a testament to Philadelphia’s loaded edge rusher corps, made up of Jonathan Greenard, Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt and Arnold Ebiketie — but don’t be surprised if he turns into a key cog on Vic Fangio’s defensive line.

    Fun fact: Epenesa’s father, who also played at Iowa, is named “Epenesa Epensa.” His nickname is “Eppy.”

    Quotable: “We had some battles,” five-time Pro Bowl tackle Tristan Wirfs, Epensa’s teammate at Iowa, said of the defensive end. “When I met with the Broncos, they said a scout was there [at Iowa’s practice] and I didn’t lose to A.J. So I said, ‘I’m glad you were there on that day.’”

    Guard Micah Morris is another in a long line of Georgia draft picks for the Eagles. Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    Player: Micah Morris

    Position: Guard

    Age: 22

    Previous experience: The Eagles selected Morris in the sixth round (207th overall) of the 2026 NFL draft. He played collegiately at Georgia, where he initially struggled to climb the depth chart until morphing into the starting left guard. At Georgia, he was teammates with current Eagles defensive tackles Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter.

    Path to a roster spot: The Eagles drafted Morris because they needed interior offensive line depth. Landon Dickerson is a guaranteed starter, but he’s battled multiple injuries in recent years. Fellow starting guard Tyler Steen has just one year of starting experience on his resumé. The depth pieces behind them are green. Morris will likely make the roster — and he might even see some action, if Philadelphia’s injury woes persist.

    Fun fact: Morris, who stands at 6-foot-4, 330 pounds, earned a spot on The Athletic’s “Freaks” list last season for his weightlifting prowess. According to The Athletic, Morris has done two reps on the bench of 420 pounds and squatted 505 for a double.

    Quotable: “The first time I tried to sit down a Jordan Davis bull rush, that’s when I realized this was not high school ball,” Morris said before the Eagles’ two-day rookie camp. “My feet were planted, but I was sliding backward.”

  • Eagles newcomers ‘26: Can Makai Lemon be the next key weapon after A.J. Brown?

    Eagles newcomers ‘26: Can Makai Lemon be the next key weapon after A.J. Brown?

    With Eagles training camp drawing nearer, The Inquirer is taking a closer look at the more than three dozen new faces who are expected to report along with the rest of the team on July 28.

    Player: Makai Lemon

    Position: WR

    Age: 22

    Previous experience: Lemon is Philadelphia’s promising new weapon. The Eagles selected the wide receiver from the University of Southern California when they traded up for the 20th pick of the NFL draft in April. Lemon was a fringe five-star recruit in 2022 and the third receiver taken in the draft. He was one of college football’s top receivers in 2025, which earned him some hardware as the second USC player ever to win the Biletnikoff Award for most outstanding receiver in college football. Last season, Lemon’s junior year, he caught 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns.

    Path to a roster spot: Lemon is a lock to make the Eagles roster. General manager Howie Roseman not only used a first-round pick on him, but he also traded up with the rival Cowboys in order to do so. DeVonta Smith will be the No. 1 wide receiver with A.J. Brown in New England, but Lemon will likely slot in as the No. 2 opposite. Boasting decent speed and a wide catch radius, Lemon can play slot and outside, which should make him a versatile weapon in Sean Mannion’s offense.

    Fun fact: Lemon’s hobby outside of football is skateboarding. The 22-year-old started skateboarding at age 3, learning the activity from his uncle. In an interview on The Heisman podcast, Lemon said he used to skateboard all over Los Angeles.

    Quotable: “They getting a dawg,” Lemon said shortly after the Eagles selected him. “It’s ready to work, for real. I ain’t doing no playing.”

    Last season, Lemon caught 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns with Southern California.Kyusung Gong

    Player: Shaun Wade

    Position: CB

    Age: 27

    Previous experience: Wade is a veteran cornerback who hasn’t quite found his footing in the NFL yet. Once a promising prospect for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Wade was drafted by the Ravens in the fifth round (160th overall) of the 2021 NFL draft, but he never played a game for them. He has bounced around to four different teams since, spending time with the Patriots, Rams, Chargers, and Bears. He most recently played for the UFL’s Dallas Renegades, where he logged three interceptions in eight games this season.

    Philly traded one Brown for another: Jaylen Brown reveals he and former Eagle A.J. Brown are ‘cousins’

    Path to a roster spot: Wade’s versatility makes him a dark-horse candidate to make the final roster. He has experience playing corner, nickel, safety, and special teams, which might be appealing to defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. He looks the part too, standing 6-foot-1, 191 pounds, and boasting NFL experience. It won’t be easy in such a crowded defensive backfield, but don’t be shocked if Wade somehow finds a spot.

    Fun fact: Wade was a force at Ohio State, being selected to the All-Big Ten teams in 2019 and 2020 and being named an All-American in 2020.

    Quotable: “Shaun was one of those guys that opted-out and came back in. Some guys went through some struggles, and you just watch how they competed,” said Chargers GM Joe Hortiz, who drafted Wade in Baltimore.

    Shaun Wade has bounced around to four different teams, including the Patriots, Rams, Chargers, and Bears. Steven Senne / AP
  • Eagles newcomers ’26: Will Jonathan Greenard be the Eagles’ highest-impact new face?

    Eagles newcomers ’26: Will Jonathan Greenard be the Eagles’ highest-impact new face?

    With Eagles training camp drawing nearer, The Inquirer is taking a closer look at the more than three dozen new faces who are expected to report along with the rest of the team on July 28.

    Player: Jonathan Greenard

    Position: LB

    Age: 29

    Previous experience: The veteran outside linebacker has 38 sacks and 60 tackles for loss in 77 games across six seasons. The Houston Texans selected him in the third round (90th overall) of the 2020 draft after he dominated at Louisville and Florida. He most recently played for the Minnesota Vikings, where he spent two seasons and was named a captain.

    Greenard’s sack total was down last year — three in 12 games — but he still had a high pressure rate (47, according to Pro Football Focus). The Eagles traded third-round picks in 2026 and 2027 for Greenard on April 24. He subsequently signed a four-year, $100 million contract with $50 million guaranteed.

    Path to a roster spot: Greenard was arguably the Eagles’ splashiest offseason acquisition. They obtained him in the hopes that he’ll replace the production of Jaelan Phillips, who signed with the Carolina Panthers. Not only is he a lock to make the roster, he’ll be a starter and a key cog for one of the NFL’s top defenses. General manager Howie Roseman wanted a premium pass rusher to work alongside Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt. He’ll certainly get that with Greenard if the veteran can stay healthy.

    Fun fact: Greenard could have found fame off the gridiron, too. The Georgia-born linebacker sang gospel music in the church choir with his sister, Victoria, and mother, Carmen, who was the choir director. When he was 14, he was invited to perform at “The Gift,” a singing competition sponsored by McDonald’s for young talent in Atlanta and was recruited by the music industry. “Producers wanted him badly,” Carmen said. He also made an appearance on the 26th season of ABC’s The Bachelor in 2022.

    Jonathan Greenard (58) was a feared pass rusher in Minnesota and Houston. Julio Cortez / AP

    Quotable: “I respect the hell out of the guys that have come before me, and all I can do is continue to just carry that light and make sure the things they’ve done in the past don’t go in vain,” Greenard said in his introductory press conference with the Eagles. “So I love everything about it. I love the historic franchise. I’m wanting to be a part of that. I want to be a part of having some hardware on my finger.”

    Player: John Ojukwu

    Position: OT

    Age: 27

    Previous experience: Ojukwu joined the league in 2023 as an undrafted free agent. He signed with the Tennessee Titans after an impressive career at his hometown college, Boise State. In his senior season, he was the only player to start all 14 games. He allowed zero sacks and committed just two penalties but still went undrafted, despite some pundits projecting him as a Day 3 pick. Ojukwu played in 16 games in three seasons with the Titans, starting nine. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Eagles on Jan. 13.

    Path to a roster spot: Ojukwu is a long shot to make the Birds’ final roster. Ahead of him on the depth chart are line stalwarts Jordan Mailata and Landon Dickerson and solid depth pieces like Markel Bell, Fred Johnson, Myles Hinton and Cameron Williams. You can never have too much offensive line depth, but Ojukwu will have to turn heads at camp in order to make the team.

    Fun fact: As a junior in high school, Ojukwu weighed just 185 pounds. He had talent but knew he needed to add serious weight if he wanted to succeed in college. According to the Idaho Statesman, he gained nearly 100 pounds in nine months — working out multiple times a day, then gorging on gallons of milk and whole pizzas in order to meet his caloric goals.

    Quotable: “He was always the one around watching film or outside hitting the sled by himself. He’s always working, and it’s paid off,” former Boise State offensive coordinator Zak Hill said of Ojukwu, via the Idaho Statesman.

  • Eagles newcomers ‘26: Can journeyman guard Michael Jordan offer Birds an upgrade in the trenches?

    Eagles newcomers ‘26: Can journeyman guard Michael Jordan offer Birds an upgrade in the trenches?

    With Eagles training camp drawing nearer, The Inquirer is taking a closer look at the more than three dozen new faces who are expected to report along with the rest of the team on July 28.

    Player: Michael Jordan

    Position: G

    Age: 28

    Previous experience: Despite suiting up for four different teams (plus two practice squad stints with the Packers), Jordan actually has a decent NFL resume. A journeyman guard, Jordan has 49 starts in 78 games in his six seasons.

    He most recently played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he started nine games and played in 11 last season. He played in his home state of Ohio in college and NFL, playing two years for Ohio State before being selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL draft (136th overall).

    Path to a roster spot: Jordan’s chances of making the Eagles roster are fairly high. Beyond Landon Dickerson and Tyler Steen, who are virtual locks to start, Philadelphia has a fairly inexperienced guard group — made up of names like Micah Morris, Willie Lampkin, Drew Kendall, Jaeden Roberts, and Jake Majors. On paper, Jordan should shine vs. an inexperienced bunch.

    Fun fact: So, let’s talk about that name. Yes, Jordan is well aware that he shares a name with arguably the most famous basketball player ever. In fact, according to a story on Panthers.com, he once got “cursed out” when trying to order a pizza on Super Bowl Sunday, since the restaurant thought it was a prank call. “And he starts cussing me out,” Jordan said with a laugh. “He said ‘This is Super Bowl Sunday; you can’t be playing around with fake names like that.’”

    Quotable: “I’m actually pretty terrible at basketball,” Jordan said. “You can ask the guys in the locker room; they already know that. I’ve been terrible since I was a kid. I have to look at the ball when I dribble.” — Jordan said in an interview with Panthers.com

    Player: Rocco Underwood

    Position: LS

    Age: 23

    Previous experience: The Eagles snagged one of the best long snappers in college football in their undrafted free agent group. Underwood, who played in 50 games over five years at Florida, won the 2024 Patrick Mannelly Award as the top long snapper in college football.

    Path to a roster spot: Underwood is a virtual lock to make the team. The Eagles are still trying to find their long-term replacement for long snapper Rick Lovato, who was with the team from 2016 to 2024. The tandem of Charley Hughlett and Cal Adomitis didn’t quite cut it in 2025, which is why general manager Howie Roseman picked up the highly regarded Underwood.

    Rocco Underwood (42) won the Patrick Mannelly Award in 2024 as the top long snapper in college football.Michael Swensen

    Fun fact: Trainer Chris Rubio is widely recognized as the best long snapper coach in the nation. Rubio’s camp is the longest-running long-snapping camp in the nation. Underwood was the first ever athlete to earn six-star status as a long snapping prospect at the camp.

    Quotable: “He’s jelled really well with the veteran guys. [He’s an] athletic individual,” Eagles special teams coordinator Michael Clay said. “It’s nice [that] he played under [Florida senior special teams analyst] Joe Houston, who had coached in the NFL. He knows the rigors of the NFL probably from talking to Joe, but he’s doing a really good job. Obviously, once the pads come on, he gets an actual real rush, but he’s taking it stride for stride, and he and [special teams assistant] Tyler Brown meet every day. I’m in there poking fun at him still. I’ll rush him a couple times, [but] he’s going to get rushed by a far better athlete in game situations.”