Justice Looking To Be Extraordinary

At this time last year, the thought of Winston Justice as a starting tackle might have made you thumb through a mental Rolodex of free agent quarterbacks since ours would certainly be running for his life.

But after seizing the opportunity at right tackle after Shawn Andrews' back injury and in the process earning a long-term contract extension, the former second-round pick now has his eyes set on even loftier goals.

"My goal is not to be a starting tackle, but to be a great, extraordinary tackle," Justice said following a recent OTA. "I still have a long way to go, but I'm in a good situation.""

The 6-6, 320-pound Justice started in all 16 games and developed into a reliable force on the right side as he earned All-Joe team honors from USA Today. While some athletes lose the passion after earning the big paycheck, it's almost the opposite for Justice. The 26-year-old was humbled early in his career during a prime-time start against the New York Giants that all but appeared to be the defining moment of his career.

That wouldn't be the case. It took awhile for Justice to realize that you need more than just talent to survive in the NFL.

"It's not just talent because everyone has talent," Justice said. "What separates the good from the great is how hard you work. If you look in the past at the people who were great at what they do, they practice at it over and over again. You have to keep working at it."

Justice spent this off-season focused on improving his hand quickness. As a reminder to never take the opportunity that's been presented before him for granted, Justice tells himself before every practice that, "This is my time. This is my chance to show that I can play." That's why after a recent practice, Justice stayed on the field to continue working with the rookies under the careful eye of line coach Juan Castillo.

"If you keep doing something over and over again, it starts to become natural and when you get into game-time situations, or even real practice situations, that's your natural reaction to what's going to happen," he said.

To obtain his goal of being one of the best in the league, Justice only has to look at the tackle on the other side of the offensive line. Jason Peters earned his third Pro Bowl nomination in his first year with the Eagles last season.

"We both have the same goals. We both want to be great offensive tackles. He might be a little ahead of me because he has a few Pro Bowls. Hopefully, I get a chance to go against a few good players this year and prove myself," Justice said. "I just need more experience and when I'm in there I hope the big names are across from me. That's the only way you get recognized. It's a chance to prove yourself. If you do well against the best guys in the league, you start to get noticed. Your hard work starts to pay off. You look for those opportunities to go against the best."

You might chuckle to yourself now, but you probably were at this time last year at the mere thought of him keeping the quarterback upright.

-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 6:30 p.m., June 9

Practice Notes: Mikell Tweaks Knee

While Jeremy Maclin returned to practice on Wednesday after missing a day with a tight hamstring, the contingent of players inside the practice bubble was not completely whole.

Safety Quintin Mikell left the practice about mid-way through after tweaking his knee and rookie wide receiver Riley Cooper did not practice because of a hamstring spasm.

"I'm good," Mikell said after practice, warding off concerns.

Also, linebacker Omar Gaither, who is returning from the Lis Franc sprain that ended his season in 2009, was given the day off because of the move inside to the turf.

And there were the previously noted absences of DeSean Jackson, Asante Samuel (personal reasons), Todd Herremans (foot), Stewart Bradley (calf), Fenuki Tupou (chest) and LeSean McCoy (ankle).

As for the action on the field, Quintin Demps stepped in as the first-team safety alongside rookie Nate Allen once Mikell left the field, and seemed to work well with Allen, offering pointers throughout.

After spending the past two days as the Redskins and Giants, the scout teams played the role of the Dallas Cowboys today, with Alex Hall wearing the No. 93 jersey to designate Anthony Spencer, Ricky Sapp playing the role of DeMarcus Ware and Devin Ross donning the No. 43 jersey as Gerald Sensabaugh.

More practice notes ...

- Mike Bell continues to take advantage of his reps with the first team at running back, as he's shown a surprising fluidity in his route running and catching ability. Bell was hit along the sidelines in stride several times during Wednesday's practice on passes from Kevin Kolb.

- Mike McGlynn is still getting some reps with the first-team offense at center, but Nick Cole remains the man in the middle.

- During seven-on-seven drills, rookie defensive end Daniel Te'o-Nesheim got a few looks in coverage as a linebacker of sorts. It's obviously not the strongest part of his game, but he appears to be a willing learner and is athletic enough to make strides.

- Joselio Hanson has been the first-team right cornerback in the base defense all week as Ellis Hobbs continues to sit out team drills. But whenever the defense switches to nickel, Hanson slides back inside and Macho Harris replaces him as the right corner. Dimitri Patterson has also been impressive this week in his stint as the "starting" left cornerback.

- Jason Avant was around the ball all day as the Eagles offense seemed to make a point to feature the slot man in the middle of the field, especially against some of the pressure package looks that the faux Cowboys defense presented.

- Finally, former Eagles head coach Dick Vermeil was seen on the sidelines observing practice.

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 2:20 p.m., June 9

WR Maclin Back In Action

Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin was back on the practice field for Wednesday's Organized Team Activity after being sidelined Tuesday with what was termed a "tight hamstring."

In Tuesday's workout, Hank Baskett took advantage of his time with the first-team offense and put on a show with a number of impressive catches including a diving touchdown catch over the middle of the field.

The Eagles' OTAs conclude on Thursday with one practice and then the focus shifts to Lehigh University and training camp which commences on July 26 with the arrival of the rookies and the selected veterans. The practice and autograph schedules will be announced in the near future.

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 11:20 a.m., June 9
 

Sapp Is In With A Four-Year Deal

And Ricky Sapp makes six.

The Eagles announced on Tuesday afternoon that they have agreed to terms with the 6-4, 252-pound Sapp on a four-year contract. Sapp was selected in the fifth round of the 2010 draft from Clemson.

With Sapp in the fold, the Eagles now have six of their league-high 13 draft picks under contract - Sapp, cornerback Trevard Lindley, running back Charles Scott, linebacker Jamar Chaney, defensive tackle Jeff Owens and safety Kurt Coleman. Lindley, a fourth-round selection, is the highest of the Eagles' picks to sign thus far.

Sapp played in 50 games (36 starts) at Clemson, while recording 142 tackles, 17.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. He finished his career ranked 15th on the school's all-time list with 38 tackles for a loss. Sapp garnered second-team All-ACC honors as a senior in 2009 after starting in all 14 games and totaling five sacks.

A native of Bamberg, SC, Sapp was tabbed as a first-team USA Today All-American selection and a second-team EA Sports honoree while attending Bamberg-Ehrhart  High School.

-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 3:25 p.m., June 8

Tuesday Practice Notes: Lawrence Thrilled

Linebacker Simoni Lawrence, the newest Eagle, could not be happier to be a member of his hometown team.

Despite admitting that he is, in his own words, a former "cockroach" - for those uninitiated, that's code for a fan of a certain NFC East team from Texas - Lawrence could barely contain his excitement after practice when talking to reporters about the chance he's been given with the Eagles.

"To stay in Philadelphia, this is a dream come true. I'm so happy to be out here," he said. "I wanted to come home. I wanted to stay home. I love my mom, I love my family and I'm happy to just stay home with everybody."

Lawrence added that his mom "might be the biggest Eagles fan in the world," a title that could only be bolstered by the presence of her son on the roster.

As for his prospects on the field, Lawrence said he'll be competing at both outside linebacker positions, though he played mostly the strong side in college at Minnesota. The 6-foot, 232 pound Lawrence will no doubt have an uphill battle the make the team with the amount of depth at linebacker, but at the very least he's got the enthusiasm necessary to get in the playbook and learn as much as he can as quickly as possible.

Lawrence was also drafted 22nd overall in the recent United Football League draft by the Hartford Colonials and while he considered making that move, once he got the offer from the Eagles Lawrence knew where he had to go.

"I did (give playing in the UFL some thought) because I just love football," he said. "I just wanted to make sure I was playing football. Whether I get paid or don't get paid, I just want to play football because this is what I love to do."

Elsewhere on the practice field Tuesday ...

- Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin missed practice with what was deemed a "tight hamstring." In his absence, veteran wide receiver Hank Baskett put on a show with a number of impressive catches. He hauled in a diving touchdown catch over the middle of the field on a pass from Michael Vick during 7-on-7 drills and later made a sliding catch right near the sidelines, this time on a throw from Kevin Kolb.

- After playing the role of the Washington Redskins yesterday, the scout teams today portrayed the New York Giants. Two players donned special jerseys, with Devin Ross wearing Kenny Phillips' 21 and Omar Gaither hitting the field as middle linebacker Jonathan Goff. 

- Chad Hall continued to impress, this time with a leaping, falling touchdown in the corner of the end zone on a pass from Michael Vick.

- Keenan Clayton showed good instincts and good hands when defending the mock Giants offense. On a quick pass from Joey Elliott, Clayton cut across the middle and snagged the ball in mid-air without a bobble and headed up the field - much to the delight of the defensive players on the sideline.

- With Asante Samuel out this week and Ellis Hobbs still not practicing in team drills, the nickel defense was once again Dimitri Patterson at left cornerback, Macho Harris at right cornerback and Joselio Hanson as the nickel man. Daniel Te'o-Nesheim and Darryl Tapp continue to get reps with the first-team nickel as inside pass rushers.
 

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 2:09 p.m., June 8

Maclin Not Practicing; Lawrence On Field

Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin is not practicing today as the Eagles are on the field for their second of four practices this week. The Eagles will update the injury situation following the conclusion of practice.

Offensive lineman Todd Herremans, who is not practicing because of a sore left foot, has joined the rest of the nicked up Eagles who are working out on the side. Those players include: Stewart Bradley (calf), LeSean McCoy (ankle), Fenuki Tupou (chest) and Jamaal Jackson (ACL).

Both DeSean Jackson and Asante Samuel are still not present at practice. Samuel is not in town because of personal reasons.

And new linebacker Simoni Lawrence has joined his new teammates on the practice field.

More to come later from Bloghead, as we update the injuries and give the Tuesday practice report.

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 11:34 a.m., June 8
 

Eagles Sign Local LB Lawrence

The Eagles signed Upper Darby, Pa. native Simoni Lawrence to a contract on Tuesday. A 6-0, 232-pound outside linebacker out of Minnesota, Lawrence was originally signed by the St. Louis Rams following the 2010 NFL Draft. He was released by the Rams on May 25.

It was reported on June 2 by the Delaware County Times that Lawrence had been worked out by the Eagles. The UFL also became an option for Lawrence, who was selected in the fifth round of the recently held draft by Hartford.

"Lawrence is an explosive linebacker yet undersized and can play only in certain systems at the next level," wrote Tony Pauline of TFYDraftPreview.com. "He's more of a chase and run down type of defender best suited in a one-gap scheme."

The Eagles have a lot of options at outside linebacker. Ernie Sims is the projected starter on the weak side and Moise Fokou is slotted to man the strong side. In addition to veterans like Akeem Jordan and Omar Gaither, the Eagles drafted Keenan Clayton and Jamar Chaney. Another veteran, Alex Hall, and another draft pick, Ricky Sapp, have bounced back-and-forth between strongside linebacker and defensive end.

Lawrence spent the last two seasons at the University of Minnesota and last season was fourth on the team with 85 tackles including eight for loss. He also broke up four passes, netted an interception and forced a fumble. In his two years, Lawrence had 151 tackles, six sacks, two interceptions and two touchdowns. He was a defensive co-captain and earned honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades his senior season.

A running back at Upper Darby, Lawrence rushed for 3,217 yards in his prep career. He earned all-state honors in 2005 when he rushed for 2,136 yards and scored 26 touchdowns. He spent two seasons at Valley Forge Military Academy where he made the transition to defense and recorded 107 tackles and 10 interceptions. He was the Seaboard Football Conference Player of the Year in each of his two seasons as the Cadets won back-to-back conference titles.

-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 10:45 a.m., June 8

Kolb Not Worried About Jackson's Absence

Color Kevin Kolb unconcerned about the absence of wide receiver DeSean Jackson from Monday's practice, the first of four practices this week that wrap up the Organized Team Activies.

"We work together a lot," Kolb said of his relationship on the field with the Pro Bowl receiver. "We did a lot of time in the off-season before mini-camps or anything ever started, so we're gotten a lot of work in and (I) look forward to obviously getting better and working together in the future."

Of course, Kolb and Jackson have been honing their chemistry on and off the field since Jackson was drafted in the second round of the 2008 draft, a year after Kolb joined the team. Even though Donovan McNabb was the starting quarterback, Kolb got plenty of practice reps throwing to Jackson. So he's not worried at all Jackson not being at this week's voluntary practices.

On the other hand, Kolb does think it's important for the team that he's here now and has been here for much of the off-season.

"As a quarterback, I think that, you know, you're the one out there delivering the ball, so it's always a little bit different," he said. "I want to be here. I want to get my work in and I always try to get better every single day, even at this time of year."

And, in a year where the reins have been officially turned over from McNabb to Kolb, it's even more important for the rest of the team to get acclimated to an offense run by the new signal caller.

"It's totally different," Kolb said of his outlook now that he's "the guy." "I think the guys understand the tempo and the rhythm out of the huddle and the different things that we're going to do now, just the overall little nooks and things that are different. We're still gelling and we have all of training camp to do it, but we're just working hard and trying to get on the same page as much as possible."

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 7:15 p.m., June 7

Monday Practice Report: Redskins Day

Monday's practice was noticeable quieter on Monday with the dual absences of Asante Samuel and DeSean Jackson. Samuel, who can always be heard chirping at the offense throughout practice, will not be attending this week's voluntary Organized Team Activities for personal reasons. No official reason was given for Jackson's absence.

With Samuel out and Ellis Hobbs still not participating in team drills, the first-team defense featured Joselio Hanson at right cornerback and Dimitri Patterson at left cornerback. When the first team switched to nickel, Hanson moved inside and the outside cornerbacks were Macho Harris on the right and Geoffrey Pope on the left. Joe Mays took most of the first-team reps at middle linebacker in the base defense in between Ernie Sims and Moise Fokou, and Sims paired with Akeem Jordan in the nickel.

The focus of today's practice was the Washington Redskins, as the offensive and defensive scout teams simulated the looks the coaching staff expects to see from the Redskins this season. On defense, four players donned red jerseys to designate the player they were playing the role of. Defensive tackle Jeff Owens played the role of Albert Haynesworth, Alex Hall was Brian Orakpo, linebacker Keenan Clayton was London Fletcher and Devin Ross was Laron Landry.

"They had me as Albert Haynesworth rushing the passer out of the 3-4, so I was just trying to mix things up a little bit," said Owens, who added that this was the first he's ever practiced with the scout team in his life. "I was rushing outside on the tackles which is something I don't usually do. I do whatever it takes to help this team win.

"Albert Haynesworth is a big name guy, one of the best in the game, so I just want to try to just give the offense a look and no matter what number I'm wearing I'm going to go my hardest to try and make this team."

- One of the drills that new special teams coach Bobby April has implemented is two teams of field goal units practicing at the same time. One group will be attempting a short field goal while the other unit does the same from about 20 yards behind. Today, there was some added intrigue as Ken Parrish was holding for David Akers while Sav Rocca was kicking field goals with the second unit. Rocca shanked his first attempt way left, but got on track after that, though he's no Akers. And in case you were wondering, Jason Avant is the second-team holder and Mike McGlynn has been working as the backup long snapper.

- The offense went through a bout of drops on Monday as Martin Rucker, Brent Celek, Jeremy Maclin, Kevin Jurovich and Riley Cooper each had balls hit their hands and fall to the ground.

- With Jackson out, Avant, Hank Baskett and Riley Cooper each got time with the first team at wide receiver opposite Maclin.

- Omar Gaither continues to progress in his return from last season's Lis Franc injury. Gaither did more work during team drills today than he did all last week, though he did not participate in the seven-on-seven drills.

- The team ended practice working on kickoffs and rotated six returners: Ellis Hobbs, Quintin Demps, Harris, Maclin, Chad Hall and Devin Ross. Joining Hobbs on the first-team return unit were Eldra Buckley, Avant, Baskett, Mays, Fokou, Antonio Dixon, Leonard Weaver, Trevor Laws and Mike Bell.

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 2:54 p.m., June 7

Final Week Of OTAs Underway

The second week of full-team Organized Team Activity kicked off Monday morning at the NovaCare Complex and the workout was much quieter than usual.

Cornerback Asante Samuel, who is known for yapping during practice (see video), was not present and neither was wide receiver DeSean Jackson. Samuel will not be at the OTAs all week due to personal reasons. There was no reason for Jackson's absence, but again, these practices are voluntary. This final round of OTAs conclude on Thursday and the players are off until training camp in late July.

Jason Avant took Jackson's place with the first-team offense. Hank Baskett also worked in as well. With Ellis Hobbs not taking part in team drills, Joselio Hanson and Dimitri Patterson were the first-team cornerbacks.

There are also players who are not on the field, but it's because of injury. Center Jamaal Jackson (knee) and defensive end Victor Abiamiri, who said that he hopes to be ready for training camp after undergoing microfracture surgery earlier this off-season, are not on the field. No surprise there. Running back LeSean McCoy (ankle), guard Todd Herremans (foot), linebacker Stewart Bradley (calf) and guard Fenuki Tupou (chest) also were held out of today's workout.

-- Posted by Chris McPherson and Bo Wulf, 12:00 p.m., June 7