The first Philadelphia Eagles OTA open practice to the media was filled with much anticipation on how the team was going to look for the first time since winning the Super Bowl in February, and there was a particular standout who was taking advantage on the field.
On Wednesday, the biggest storyline from Eagles' OTAs was the absence of edge rusher Bryce Huff. There has been considerable discussion over the offseason regarding Huff, following a less-than-stellar first season in the midnight green uniforms, during which the team paid him $51 million for three years.
It was a bad omen for a position that is looking to replace the loss of Josh Sweat. Out of the rubble came Jalyx Hunt who looks to be in line to be one of the starters if he plays his cards right.
Hunt impressed at OTAs and could steal a potential starting spot from Huff
NBC Sports in Philadelphia's article on OTA observations had Hunt as one of the starters off the edge with Azeez Ojulari during the Eagles' 11-on-11 drills. Nolan Smith Jr. will most likely be one of the starters off the edge, but did not participate in team drills as he recovers from tearing his triceps in the Super Bowl.
Hunt made the most of his time on the field as 94 WIP Eagles reporter Eliot Shorr-Parks shared on social media that Hunt made a sack on Jalen Hurts. It was the only reported sack from the OTAs.
After OTAs, Hunt spoke with the media, with one of the topics he discussed being his preparation during the offseason. He wanted to be more technical with his skills so he could lineup like the best edge rushers in the NFL.
"I think this offseason I just know a lot more of what is expected of me and what to expect from tackles and different players across the league. I just know a lot more so I've been able to approach my game more professionally by figuring out what moves I want to work on, who I should watch, being a lot more technical beacuse that's the biggest difference that I have seen is that players who are elite and good, their technicality levels are on completely different levels. I want to be great at this position and in this league, I have to be technical so that's what I've been focused on and that's what I think it's really changed between last year and this year."
The Eagles selected Hunt in the third round of last year's NFL Draft, as he only made one start in the 16 games he played. He finished with 21 tackles, three quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, 1.5 sacks, one tackle for loss, and one pass deflection during the regular season.
Hunt was dominant in the postseason, as he picked up playing time and showed Eagles fans that his progression throughout the season had paid off. He racked up 10 tackles, three quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks, and one tackle for loss in four games.
Read more:Who didn't participate in Eagles OTAs on Wednesday and why didn't they explained
Huff is the most significant question mark, as the Eagles need him to be the player who recorded over 10 sacks two seasons ago with the New York Jets. His absence speaks louder than words, even though OTAs are voluntary.
Philadelphia is going to take notice of Hunt's work late last season, and his showing up to OTAs is more technically sound. He might find his way onto the field as a starter and steal playing time from Huff.