Under-the-radar Eagles are providing highlight-reel moments at OTAs

Now is the time. On June's first Friday, the Philadelphia Eagles take the practice field for the third of six scheduled OTA practices. Once they're done, they'll break for the weekend before returning next week to complete their final three sessions. As was the case last year, there will be no mandatory minicamp which means the players won't be seen on the field again until training camp.

June 1st is a big day in the NFL. It's a landmark day on the calendar for teams needing to manage dead cap money, especially those who are releasing players with post-June 1st designations. In the City of Brotherly Love, it sort of felt like Christmas.

Media was allowed access to watch their second OTA practice session. Later, they spoke with players and coaches. The players have much on their minds. Those on the bottom third of the 90 man depth chart are trying to take every opportunity to prove themselves. Some of the guys we expect to make the roster are trying to better their standing and solidify themselves.

Several lesser-mentioned Eagles are making waves at OTAs.

With so many stars on the Eagles roster, it's easy to forget about some of the under-the-radar guys that will play significant roles. They're using these OTA sessions to make an impression. Keep these guys on your radars.

Arryn Siposs, punter

Undrafted rookie free agent Ty Zentner was brought in to remind Arryn Siposs that he wasn't untouchable as the Eagles' punter. It was only one practice, but after watching both guys uncork a few punts, Zentner was reminded it will be hard to beat out a veteran with NFL experience as a UDFA.

June 1st's round of competition was won by Arryn Siposs.

Marcus Mariota, quarterback

Had Chip Kelly had his way, Marcus Mariota would have been the Eagles' quarterback of the future in 2015. Eight years later, he joins the nest as a backup and is wearing the number 8 jersey.

The hope is Philly won't have to call his number unless the Birds' offense is enjoying some garbage time. With that being said, his highlights will be limited to OTAs, training camp, and the preseason. There was much to be impressed about with his performance.

If QB2 has lost anything, it isn't much. He put some zip on the ball, particularly on a nice-looking toss to Britain Covey. The highlight of the day came one play later as a 2021 UDFA read him perfectly.

Christian Elliss, linebacker

There's a lot to like about second-year linebacker Christian Elliss. There was a lot to like about his interception off of Marcus Mariota. That turned out to be one of the day's highlights.

A rookie free agent that was added by the Minnesota Vikings after the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Idaho Vandal has already seen two stints with the Eagles. His most recent has been fruitful. During seven in-game appearances, he has seen 29 defensive snaps and another 133 on special teams. 14 tackles have been added to his resume as a result. Keep an eye on him. He may be a dark horse candidate to make the roster and see playing time.

Dan Arnold, tight end

Dan Arnold has seven years of NFL experience on his resume. That evens out to 59 games with 11 starts. He has 95 receptions, 1,258 yards receiving, and seven receiving TDs on his resume to show for it.

He was the author of a nice contested catch on Thursday and received a lot of congratulatory gestures from teammates as a result. That turned out to be one of the offensive highlights. Dallas Goedert is entrenched as Philly's TE1. Don't be shocked if Arnold is his backup.

Sydney Brown, safety

Third-round draft choices don't normally get the attention that first and second-rounders enjoy during the offseason. They are, however, expected to make the team and contribute early. It feels like Sydney Brown will meet those expectations and exceed them.

Teammate Terrell Edmunds spoke with the media and described Brown as a "hard worker" that "doesn't say too much", but the rookie safety has let his play do the talking for him. He was all over the field and making plays, and even though much of this will be forgotten by the time we reach training camp, what we're seeing from Brown is expected to translate to game days.