Schwartz eager to work with speedy newcomers

Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz can’t wait to game-plan around Darius Slay, his best cornerback since he coached Stephon Gilmore with the Buffalo Bills in 2015.

Slay will travel or matchup with the top receiver on the opposition at least half and possibly the entire game, according to Schwartz. He can also hold onto an interception, something the 2019 Eagles struggled to do.

Of course, the pass-catchers in the NFC East aren’t nearly as problematic as those teams dotting the rest of the Birds’ schedule. The Cowboys have Amari Cooper and rookie CeeDee Lamb, Washington has Terry McLaurin. The Giants have nobody.

To Schwartz, what’s almost as interesting as having Slay is the group the Eagles have at linebacker. They’re going to have to get after some of the best running backs in the NFC, a list that includes Zeke Elliott of the Cowboys, Saquon Barkley of the Giants and Adrian Peterson of Washington.

The Eagles signed Jatavis Brown in free agency and drafted Davion Taylor (third round) of Colorado and Shaun Bradley (sixth) from Temple.

They join a cast of such young veterans as Nate Gerry (6-2, 230), T.J. Edwards (6-0, 230) and Duke Riley (6-1, 231).

“All our guys have different skills sets but we made a real strong point to add speed,” Schwartz said in a video chat Friday. ‘And I think we’re probably a faster group than we’ve been in any of the previous four years. It’s going to be a great competition in training camp. It’s not a lot of household names there but we’re confident in their ability and we’re really excited about the speed that group possess now.”

Bradley wouldn’t predict how quickly he could impact the defense. He’ll play a major role on special teams, having clocked 4.51 in the 40-yard dash at the combine. Taylor ran 4.47.

“I’ve always told myself never to look too far ahead because the future is never really promised,” Bradley said. “Every day I try to get better and better.”

••• Rookie first-round pick Jalen Reagor is an obvious candidate to return punts this season. Last year he averaged 20.8 yards per return, two of which he took to the house.

“Jalen’s obviously a real explosive player,” special teams coach Dave Fipp said. “When the ball is in his hands he’s electric. We’re really excited about him. When he’s out in space he can make guys miss. He’s quick and he does a good job catching the ball. ... We’ll balance all that with his role on offense.”

With speed receiver Marquise Goodwin opting out of playing the 2020 season, and DeSean Jackson lugging an extensive injury history, Reagor, who ran 4.47 at the combine, could see an expanded role at wide receiver.