What James Bradberry's absence from Eagles says about Quinyon Mitchell − and Bradberry

PHILADELPHIA − We can start with the premise that not all absences from organized team activities are created equally.

For example, no one batted an eye when wide receiver DeVonta Smith, right tackle Lane Johnson and edge rusher Josh Sweat missed the Eagles' OTA practice Wednesday. Their roster spots are secure, and they're a big part of the team for the 2024 season.

That's not the case for James Bradberry, who also missed Wednesday's workout. He's coming off an awful 2023 season, and the Eagles picked not one, but two, cornerbacks in the first two rounds of the NFL draft in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, respectively.

So did the Eagles tell Bradberry to stay away, knowing they can cut him after June 1 and spread his salary cap hit over two seasons? Or has Bradberry been around during the offseason workouts, and just decided to take a day off?

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The coaches weren't made available to answer those questions. And it will certainly mean more if Bradberry is not back next week for the second week of OTAs, or even the following week for the Eagles' mandatory minicamp.

It’s worth emphasizing that the OTAs are voluntary. Players can't be fined for missing them.

But it's clear the Eagles would want Mitchell and DeJean to get as much work as possible during these spring drills to determine if they'll be ready to play Week 1 or not.

Before we delve into how Mitchell and DeJean performed Wednesday, veteran cornerback Darius Slay said he made it a point to participate in OTAs because he sees himself as a role model to the younger players.

As a 33-year-old entering his 12th season, Slay said he wants to teach them as much as he can.

"That’s the main thing to teach them, how to be a pro," Slay said. "I was talking to them, just letting them know I’m always here for you boys. Anything you all need from me, I got you. I’m the blueprint for everything to make sure they succeed at this level ... I’m an older brother of all the siblings, so it’s always been my duty to lead, and be the example, and make sure they get the right directions."

Slay said Bradberry, who turns 31 this summer, has done that as well. But after an All Pro season in 2022, Bradberry's play declined noticeably last season, to the point where he was rotating late in the season with rookies Kelee Ringo and Eli Ricks.

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said all offseason that Bradberry is under contract for 2024, the second-year of a three-year deal worth as much as $38 million, with $20 million guaranteed, and that he fits into the team's plans.

Then Roseman drafted Mitchell at No. 22 overall and said after the first round: "We felt like we had a really good chance to get a first-round player at a position of need where we were picking."

It's easy to surmise that Roseman wouldn't have seen cornerback as a position of need if Bradberry's job was secure.

And Slay, when asked about Bradberry on Wednesday, replied: "He’s in good spirits. (Bradberry is) what, going on Year 9? He’ll be good. He made a lot of money, played good, All-Pro player. We have talks ... His mindset is the same as mine is: Go out here and help these young guys get better, and make sure we give them all the tools to be successful at what we do."

On Wednesday, Mitchell and DeJean worked with the second unit on defense, while Slay and Isaiah Rodgers were with the ones. But don't read too much into that. It's more of a rite of passage for Eagles rookies, especially in the spring. That could even continue for the first few weeks of training camp, which begins in late July.

Yet there was Mitchell, running step for step with wide receiver Jacob Harris deep down the sideline, breaking up a pass from backup quarterback Kenny Pickett. There was DeJean, starting out at nickel, then taking some reps on the outside at cornerback, showing his versatility.

All of it was meaningless in the grand scheme of Week 1 is still 3 1/2 months away, and Harris is a longshot to make the 53-man roster. But it was also meaningful in that Mitchell was skilled enough to go step-for-step with Harris, who has played in 18 NFL games over the past three seasons.

When asked for a scouting report on Mitchell, Slay said: "Great. A lot of great things. Quick dude that has a quick twitch. I love his off-man. I’m real good at off-man. I watched his tape from college for a good minute. There’s some things I can help him with for sure that he asked me to do.

"I look forward to helping him because I see great talent in him. I look forward to him making a lot of great plays for this organization."

And DeJean?

"He’s very athletic as you could see," Slay said. "He’s a guy that’s versatile. He was everywhere. He’s quiet, so I’m trying to get him to talk a little bit. Both of these guys are very athletic. I’m looking forward to continue to keep working with them. This is my first day with them. Watching their film, and seeing them live in person is amazing to watch. Reminds me of my days being young."

As for Slay, he missed four games late last season to have arthroscopic knee surgery, but said he feels great.

"I honestly feel like I’m 25 again, feeling good," he said. "Guys wanted to race. Guess who won? The 33-year-old guy. I let them know the wheels are back, so I’ll be ready."

For Mitchell and DeJean, the true test will obviously come this summer when they are going against first-team receivers like A.J. Brown and Smith, with the speedy Parris Campbell in the slot.

But there's still a lot to learn between now and then. So the more chances they get, the better off they'll be. And if Mitchell and DeJean show enough, that will come at Bradberry's expense. If they don't, well, we might see Bradberry back this summer after all.

Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@delawareonline.com. Follow on X @Mfranknfl.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: What James Bradberry absence from Eagles OTAs says for Quinyon Mitchell