As offseason training activities come to a close this upcoming week, let's take a look at specifically what's going on with Big Blue's biggest rivals in this week's edition of Around the NFC East.
The Top Story
Eagles wide receiver accused of sexual assault
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor, who was the team's first-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, has been accused of sexually assaulting an employee at the Cheerleaders Gentlemen's Club in South Philadelphia. The incident allegedly occurred after the Eagles wrapped up their final minicamp practice on Thursday afternoon. Eagles linebacker Connor Barwin and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox were both present at the club, but neither had any involvement in the alleged incident involving Agholor.
According to multiple reports, it is believed that the incident was a setup and stems from a money dispute in which Agholor allegedly did not pay a female dancer the full amount the two agreed upon after they went into a private room -- also referred to as the Champagne's Court. NJ Advance Media's Mark Eckel reported that there are no security cameras in that room of the club. Stay tuned to Bleeding Green Nation for updates regarding the investigation.
Eagles Headlines
Ten takeaways from minicamp
Bleeding Green Nation editor Brandon Lee Gowton lists 10 things he's learned during offseason training activities and mandatory minicamp. Among them is that head coach Doug Pederson has a much different personality from former coach Chip Kelly and that the Eagles might have a dilemma at the wide receiver position.
Two cornerbacks impressing the Eagles coaching staff
The first is veteran Leodis McKelvin, who signed a free agent contract with the Eagles after spending the entirety of his career up to this point with the Buffalo Bills. The former first-round pick has used his athleticism to make plays on the ball.
"Leodis has probably been the guy that's really stood out the most to me," Doug Pederson said. "He's a guy that it seems like he's making plays quite a bit, knocking PBUs and getting his hands on balls and doing the things that you expect from a veteran corner. He’s a smart guy, very athletic and [we’re] excited for the upcoming season with him."
The second cornerback impressing is rookie Jalen Mills. The LSU product was drafted in the seventh round by Philadelphia, but has had first team reps at outside cornerback during spring practices.
"You know what, I love his competitiveness," Pederson said. "I love the aggression that he has playing that position and he doesn't back down from any of our veteran receivers or tight ends or any of the guys that you normally might see on a normal basis might do that."
"He's challenging guys. He's got great quickness and transition in and out of breaks; smart kid; eager to learn. Those are things that really have stood out with me."
Cowboys Headlines
Dallas waives two cornerbacks
The Dallas Cowboys released two cornerbacks, Terrance Mitchell and Brandon McGee, on Friday. Mitchell, who was just one of two Dallas cornerbacks to have an interception last season, was switched to safety but did not show signs of progress and was cut. Despite these moves, the Cowboys have nine cornerbacks on the roster and have shown no indications that it will lead to them signing free agent cornerback Brandon Boykin, who recently visited the team.
Can Dallas go from worst to first?
The Cowboys dealt with a litany of injuries to their star players are drudged through a 4-12 season in 2015. However, with Tony Romo and Dez Bryant healthy and back to lead their offense, Cowboys fans are optimistic the team can make a jump from being the worst in the NFC East to winning the division crown. Since 2000, 21 teams have competed the feat, which includes last year's Washington Redskins.
How effective can the Cowboys offensive line truly be?
For the last several years, Dallas has continued to stockpile offensive line prospects to become the NFL's most vaunted unit in the trenches. The team's offensive line ranked at the top spot in the league in pass protection and run blocking, according to Pro Football Focus. With Romo and Bryant back in the fold and top rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott being added into the backfield mix, the Dallas offensive line can jump start the offense to be more efficient and effective this season.
Redskins Headlines
Wide receivers preparing for big seasons
Among the wide receivers in Redskins uniforms looking to make an impact is Josh Doctson. The TCU product was selected by the Redskins in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. While Doctson has been unable to practice on the field as he recovers from injury, he's been focusing his time on mentally preparing for the rigors of the NFL. As for on the field, Ryan Grant has been one of the team's top surprises during OTAs. Grant is entering his third season with the team and is coming off a season in which he had career-highs in catches, yards and touchdowns.
Speed is the strategy for Washington success
Just by looking at some of the 40-yard-dash times alone, the Redskins might have the best collection of the quickest players in the NFL on both offense and defense. The old adage is that the game is won in the trenches and by sheer size, but the Redskins seemed to be focused on winning the battles on the outside with their additions under general manager Scot McCloughan.
Trent Williams ranked in NFL Top 100 list
The Redskins left tackle was ranked No. 45 on the top 100 players of 2016 list. It's the highest Williams has ever been in the rankings, which he has cracked each of the last four years. The blind side protector has been a four-time Pro Bowl selection and an offensive captain since 2011.