PHILADELPHIA -- Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz came into the NFL with a reputation as a bit of a gunslinger, but didn't do much slinging downfield his rookie year.
New to Doug Pederson's system and working with a group of receivers that failed to gain separation with any consistency, Wentz didn't air it out much (9.7 percent of his attempts traveled 20-plus yards, which was in the bottom half of the league) and had minimal success with the deep ball when he did pull the trigger. He connected on just 29.4 percent of throws that traveled more than 20 yards (22nd in the NFL) with three touchdowns to six interceptions, per ESPN Stats & Information.
The Eagles prioritized getting Wentz a burner this offseason, and filled the need by signing Torrey Smith to a three-year, $15 million deal in free agency. The new pairing was on display during Monday's OTA as Wentz connected with Smith on multiple deep throws, including a 40-plus yard hookup at the expense of second-year cornerback Jalen Mills.
"Torrey obviously brings a speed threat like that. He's got a track record for doing that, and so I'm definitely excited," said Wentz following practice. "It's something within our offense to just kind of figure out where we integrate that and how we go about it. There were definitely times last year where maybe I could've take the shot and I didn't; there were times when I took the shot when I shouldn't have. So it's just trying to get a feel for when it's appropriate to do that, but yes, Torrey brings an element there that is exciting."
Smith's yards per catch since 2011 (17.0) is second only to DeSean Jackson (17.4).
Despite Monday's positive results, the feeling out process is still very much under way.
"He has to get comfortable with my body language because I'm sure I probably scare him sometimes on deep routes, but he's getting there," said Smith, who explained that he doesn't look back for the ball until the very last moment, which can take some getting used to from a QB's perspective. "And I tell him, even if I'm even [with a defender], I'm going to be open so just throw it and I will be there."
"[Wentz] is a good dude so it makes [building chemistry] easy. He's a guy you want to play for. He's one of the leaders of this team and he is comfortable in that role. So for me, just kind of fall in line, be ready and when my number is called, make sure they can depend on me."
Some other notes from Monday's session:
New Eagles defensive tackle Tim Jernigan fell to the rain-soaked NovaCare turf during team drills late in practice and walked off with a noticeable limp. The team had not updated his status at the time of this posting. Wide receiver Jordan Matthews (knee tendinitis), running back LeGarrette Blount (illness) and linebacker Mychal Kendricks (hamstring) were sidelined.
Still no sign of offensive tackle Jason Peters, punter Donnie Jones or defensive end Marcus Smith. This portion of the offseason is voluntary. Mandatory minicamp runs from June 13-15.
Running back Darren Sproles returned after being absent last week.
Alshon Jeffery making it look easy. pic.twitter.com/20yqCLs2sr
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) June 5, 2017
Receiver Alshon Jeffery has a knack for making his craft look easy. During a sideline drill early in practice, receivers coach Mike Groh (intentionally, we're guessing) tested Jeffery's catch radius with a dart high to Jeffery's outside shoulder. Jeffery leapt, secured the catch with outstretched arms, then tapped both toes in-bounds in one fluid motion. Above you can see him with a nonchalant one-handed grab. The receiver behind him by the way is Nelson Agholor, who has looked pretty fluid in his own right this spring.