EJ Smith

The 26-year-old has started 16 games in three seasons for the 49ers, eight games as an undrafted rookie in 2018 and eight more last season.

Reading between the lines of one of the biggest moves made on June 1. What could it mean for the Eagles?

The 26-year-old who signed with the Eagles as a free agent in April is going through OTAs as one of the elder statesmen among the team’s linebackers.

The full Eagles roster is getting its first exposure to the team’s new coaching staff this month during OTAs, and a few changes have become apparent.

The safety has launched fundraising initiatives to support the local Black community and leads the team’s social justice committee.

The Cardinal and White Spring Game at Stanford Stadium was about as balanced as one might hope for, with highlights from the offense and defense.

Look for a lot screen passes and play-action passes to complement a strong run game.

At 5-foot-9, 185 pounds, he projects almost exclusively as a slot corner even though the Eagles have a more pressing need on the outside.

He had 5½ sacks in a reserve role last year and joins a rotation that includes Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett, Josh Sweat, Tarron Jackson, Joe Ostman and Matt Leo. He’s played in four Pro Bowls.

Friday was the first chance Sirianni had to work with Smith, who the Eagles selected with the 10th pick in last month’s NFL draft.

The Eagles’ faith in Jalen Hurts led to their passing on Justin Fields and Mac Jones in the first round of the recent draft, but Watson is a different case entirely.

“The Eagles saw something in me,” he said. “I appreciate them for seeing that, and I’m ready to give this organization 100 percent.”

What you need to know about the Eagles’ 2021 NFL draft class.

The Eagles’ brass had no concerns about Smith’s small size, pointing to his college production as the rebuttal.

The Eagles will also look hard at South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn.

Smith measured 6 feet, 166 pounds earlier this month, and he could be in play for the Eagles at No. 12.

“We’re going to have competition at every position,” the new coach said.

Howard is one of the several cases of low-cost, high-volume running backs who have been quickly cast aside for the next wave of guys on rookie contracts.

The league been slowly gravitating toward player-tracking data for several years, but the cancellation of the combine has hastened that reliance.

The Eagles will be able to get another potential starter with the 37th pick in this month’s NFL draft.