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Eagles' Competition For Jaelan Phillips Revealed

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 11:15 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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The PAT 3 Format

The PAT (Practice And Training) series is a proprietary structure the Eagles have adopted over the past decade to streamline the evaluation of new talent. PAT 1, the first month of training camp, focuses on fundamentals, conditioning, and basic playbook learning. PAT 2 ramps up intensity with more complex coverage assignments and small‑unit play. PAT 3, the third phase that the recent article highlights, is the decisive stage where teams test players in game‑like scenarios—often in the third or fourth quarter of intra‑team scrimmages—to simulate the pressure of actual contests.

During PAT 3, the coaching staff isolates defensive backs to evaluate their reaction time, decision making, and ability to handle diverse offensive packages. Coaches run “blitz‑cover” drills that require defenders to read the offense’s line movements, track the ball carrier, and either rush or drop into coverage based on real‑time cues. The session is notorious for its intensity: players are pushed to their limits in a short time frame, and a single lapse can be the difference between making the final roster and being waived.

Jaelan Phillips in the Spotlight

Phillips arrives at training camp with a strong résumé from Michigan. Over his college career, he logged 119 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 18 pass break‑ups, while earning All‑Big Ten honors in his senior year. His physical attributes—a 6‑ft‑2 frame, a 4.31‑second 40‑meter dash, and a proven ability to read routes—make him an intriguing prospect for the Eagles’ defensive coordinator, Robert Smith. Smith’s defensive scheme emphasizes man‑coverage and the ability to “switch” between man and zone on the fly, a skill set that Phillips has demonstrated both in college and in the preseason practice sessions.

The article quotes Smith on the importance of depth in the secondary: “We need guys who can step into any coverage situation. Jaelan’s foot speed and ball skills make him a perfect fit for that role.” Smith also points to the necessity of a deep roster for playoff runs: “In the NFL, injuries happen early and often. Having someone like Phillips who can contribute right away and grow into a starter is a huge advantage.”

Phillips’ own comments echo the seriousness of the competition. In a post‑practice interview, he said, “It’s not just about playing good football; it’s about proving you’re ready to step up when the coaching staff calls on you. The PAT 3 drills push us to our limits, and that’s exactly what we need.” He added that the “pressure of being a rookie is real, but it’s also a chance to show that he can hold his own against experienced veterans.”

Competition Within the Secondary

While Phillips is a focal point, the article also delves into the broader picture of the secondary battle. Veteran Jalen Hurd, who has been with the Eagles since 2019, remains the clear starting cornerback. Hurd’s veteran presence and leadership are invaluable, yet the coaching staff sees him as a mentor rather than a blocker for younger talent. The article notes that Hurd has been focusing on strengthening his run support skills, a trend that aligns with the Eagles’ emphasis on a hybrid defensive strategy that blends zone coverage with aggressive run defense.

J. J. O’Sullivan, a rookie from Notre Dame, brings speed and a “big‑picture” approach to coverage. His high‑school pedigree includes a 5‑year tenure in the state’s top 10 defensive backs, and he has shown an aptitude for reading quarterbacks. The Eagles’ staff has paired O’Sullivan with Phillips in practice squads to allow them to learn from each other’s strengths and correct their weaknesses.

Free‑agent additions like Jovan Belcher add depth and experience. Belcher, formerly with the Tampa Bay Vikings, brings a veteran’s perspective on playbook complexity and situational awareness. His presence has been a balancing factor in the secondary, allowing younger players to learn from his approach to tackling and route assignments.

The Broader Training Camp Landscape

Beyond the secondary, the article links to other pieces that illustrate the broader context of Eagles’ training camp. One linked article details the overall roster cuts the Eagles are slated to make—currently 18 players have been released, leaving the team with a 75‑man roster heading into PAT 3. Another link outlines the upcoming “C‑Game” – a preseason matchup against the New York Giants, where the coaching staff will assess the defensive backs in a live‑game environment.

The article also references the team’s “Pat 3” page, which outlines the schedule of drills and the specific metrics coaches will track. The page lists key performance indicators: coverage yards allowed, forced fumbles, and successful blitz executions. These data points are used by the coaching staff to make roster decisions after the PAT 3 phase concludes.

Looking Ahead

The Eagles’ 2024 training camp is shaping up to be a pivotal season for Jaelan Phillips and the entire secondary. The competitive environment established through the PAT 3 drills is a testament to the organization’s commitment to building depth and resilience. If Phillips can translate his college success into game‑ready performance during these intense sessions, he could find himself carving out a role that may evolve from backup to starter as the season progresses.

The article underscores the Eagles’ philosophy: depth, speed, and adaptability. The outcome of the PAT 3 sessions will likely ripple across the roster, influencing decisions on player cuts, positional assignments, and the overall trajectory of the team’s defensive strategy heading into the regular season. For Jaelan Phillips, the next few weeks are not just about proving himself; they are about stepping into a legacy of excellence that Philadelphia fans have come to expect from their defensive units.