July 26, 2017
More years than not, the Eagles seem to have an under-the-radar receiver who impresses both in training camp and the preseason, a phenomenon that is fairly common around the NFL. Last year, who could forget the few weeks when Paul Turner was Eagles fans’ camp darling?
Sometimes, these players turn out to have very productive NFL careers. The Patriots employ two receivers, Danny Amendola and Chris “7-Eleven” Hogan, who combined for 12 catches in the Super Bowl last season long after filling the Turner role on separate seasons of Hard Knocks.
Turner hasn’t even practiced with the Eagles yet at training camp this season (with vets reporting this afternoon, that will change tomorrow), but over the first three days of practice, a couple of players showcased flashes of infringing on his turf: Marcus Johnson and Greg Ward Jr., the latter of whom has the higher degree of difficulty.
“I still got to get in the groove of being that true receiver,” Ward Jr. said after Wednesday’s practice.
At this time last year, Ward Jr. was preparing to throw for 321 yards and two touchdowns in the University of Houston’s season-opening win over No. 3 Oklahoma. But unlike most NFL rookies changing positions from college, the 22-year-old’s on-field movement in the slot doesn’t look mechanical.
Simply put, Ward Jr. looks the part of a receiver. The converted quarterback has turned some heads early in camp, and that includes the Eagles offensive coordinator.
“I think Greg’s transition has been phenomenal,” Frank Reich said. “He has some really instinctive, natural movements as a slot receiver. Things that are even hard to coach he does exceedingly well. He has a knack, he has very good ball skills so I’m really surprised and I just think he’s way exceeded expectations.
“Again, the other side of me [is saying], ‘Okay, Frank, temper that. We still got a long way to go.’”
Pumping the breaks a bit is a logical reaction because performing well in the first three rookie practices might not be indicative of anything moving forward (For what it’s worth, Ward Jr. also had some nice moments in the spring). The bulk of the Eagles eventual 53-man roster has just now reported to camp, and as Reich put it, “the bullets aren’t live yet.” The Eagles will strap on the pads over the next few days.
Ward Jr. isn’t totally new to the whole receiver thing, as he played receiver early in his college career before helping lead Houston to a 22-5 record over his final two seasons as the full-time starter. In preparing for the NFL, he has watched film of another college quarterback that made the transition to perhaps the best slot receiver in the league, New England’s Julian Edelman. Ward Jr. indicated that his route running and simply getting in and out breaks quicker are areas where he could stand to improve.
“I’m not where I’m supposed to be, so there’s a lot of work that has to go into it,” he said.
So, can Ward Jr. realistically make the team? As Jimmy has noted, the following five receivers are very likely to make the 53-man roster: Alshon Jeffery, Torrey Smith, Jordan Matthews (unless he’s traded!), Nelson Agholor, and Mack Hollins.
Like most receivers fighting for a final roster spot, Ward Jr. will be asked to contribute on special teams, an assignment that he indicated he’s more than willing to embrace.
There wasn’t any special teams work last year when Ward Jr. was quarterbacking a Top-25 college team, but he knew that a position switch was likely coming at the next level. The Texas native certainly didn’t let the uncertainty affect his college career, and early in his first training camp, Ward Jr. is making a positive impression. Whether that lands him a spot on the Eagles roster, practice squad, or somewhere else remains to be seen.
“I was always motivated that regardless of what I do [as a quarterback], I’ll make it,” he said. “That’s my main mindset.”
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