PHILADELPHIA − There was little chance that the Eagles would get answers during the spring practices on some of their most burning questions at the few open positions that they have.

That was especially true this year because the Eagles shortened their organized team activities to six sessions over two weeks instead of the maximum of 10 over three weeks. In addition, the Eagles had only one mandatory minicamp workout, as opposed to a maximum of three.

Still, there was plenty to glean from players who stood out in the three practices open in their entirety to the media − and those who did not.

But the Eagles aren't ready to answer who the starter is at right guard; at outside cornerback opposite of Quinyon Mitchell; at safety next to Reed Blankenship; or at linebacker next to Zack Baun if Nakobe Dean and/or rookie Jihaad Campbell aren't ready for Week 1.

Those battles, no doubt, will pick up in intensity when training camp begins on July 22.

"We don't have to make any of those decisions quite yet," Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said when asked about the right guard battle. "We have a lot of football to practice, a lot of football to play, and obviously, a big part of the offensive line and the evaluation of the offensive line comes in pads.

"That doesn't mean we're not evaluating them like crazy right now. But a big part of that's going to come when we put the pads on."

Here, then, is a look at the players who stood out during the spring − and those who need to step it up when training camp begins:

Eagles standouts in OTAs, minicamp

Terrace Marshall, wide receiver: We know that the top three wide receivers will be A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Jahan Dotson. But Marshall, a 2021 second-round pick of the Panthers who spent last season bouncing around the 49ers and Raiders practice squads, has been perhaps the most impressive wide receiver so far. He could challenge either 2024 draftee Ainias Smith or Johnny Wilson for a roster spot.
Kelee Ringo, cornerback: Adoree Jackson called Ringo "a freak of nature" earlier this spring, and Ringo certainly showed that he will be in contention to start at outside cornerback. On one play, Ringo broke up a pass in the end zone intended for Marshall. The grain-of-salt part comes with the fact that both Brown and Smith participated only in team drills, on a limited basis, in the one minicamp practice.
Jalyx Hunt, edge rusher: Hunt got plenty of first-team reps with Nolan Smith sitting out team drills as he recovers from a torn triceps suffered during the Super Bowl. But Hunt showed that he's getting only better after a strong finish to his rookie season. After one rush in minicamp, Hunt had left tackle Jordan Mailata swearing at himself.
Kyle McCord, quarterback: The Eagles have drafted quarterbacks in late rounds or even signed as undrafted free agent in the past. But none, including current backup Tanner McKee, looked as poised in their first minicamp as McCord. His one TD pass to tight end Nick Muse (watch out for him, too) was thrown on a line, only where Muse could catch it, as he had a defender all over him. McCord should pass Dorian Thompson-Robinson as the third QB in training camp − if he hasn't already.
Jahan Dotson, wide receiver: Dotson's status as the third wide receiver was never in doubt. But Dotson is clearly much more comfortable in the offense, building off his strong playoff performances. If that continues through training camp, Dotson should be more of a factor this season than he was last season, when he had just 19 receptions.
Jeremiah Trotter, linebacker: This is almost by default since both Dean and Campbell might not be ready for Week 1. But how Trotter performs, as well as rookie Smael Mondon, could influence whether the Eagles sign a veteran free agent to play next to Zack Baun. "I think his overall feel for the game (is better)," Baun said about Trotter. "He's always had the instincts, but being in this scheme for a year (helps)."

Eagles offensive lineman Tyler Steen (56) joins other members of the offense in warmups as the Philadelphia Eagles work out in preparation for the Super Bowl at the NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia, Pa. Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.

Eagles who need to step up in camp

Tyler Steen/Kenyon Green, right guard: Perhaps it's expecting too much for one player to separate himself in the spring, considering that the Eagles aren't in pads. But Steen, the front-runner, was called for a false start on one minicamp snap, drawing the ire of OL coach Jeff Stoutland. And Green, the former first-round pick who was acquired in the C.J. Gardner-Johnson deal, was getting some work with the third team at left guard. If one of them doesn't grab the spot in training camp, look to veteran Matt Pryor or perhaps rookie center Drew Kendall.
Brett Toth, center: With Cam Jurgens recovering from back surgery, Toth got the first-team reps at center. It didn't go particularly well as he bounced two snaps to Jalen Hurts, thus killing the plays. The Eagles drafted Kendall as a backup center, so keep an eye on the second-team battle in training camp. It appears to be Kendall's to lose.

Sydney Brown, safety: Like at right guard, Brown did not separate from second-round pick Andrew Mukuba. Brown fell down on one play in minicamp, leading to a completion at the sideline. Keep in mind that defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said nickel Cooper DeJean could play safety when the Eagles are in base defense about 15% of the time. Mukuba still has a lot to learn, so this battle will intensify in camp.
Ainias Smith, wide receiver: Smith has looked better this spring than he did as an overmatched rookie last season. But the Eagles brought in more competition at wide receiver. And they'd like to limit DeJean's touches as a punt returner. They couldn't trust Smith to do it last season, and they brought in Avery Williams this spring to contend for that role. This is a big camp for Smith.

Contact Martin Frank at [email protected]. Follow on X @Mfranknfl. Read his coverage of the Eagles’ championship season in “Flying High,” a new hardcover coffee-table book from Delaware Online/The News Journal. Details at Fly.ChampsBook.com

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: These Eagles stood out at OTAs − and these didn't, including a safety vying to start