Eagles' defense is highlighted in training camp

Marcus Epps may be receiving the first opportunity to fill the Eagles’ opening at safety, but defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is not ready to declare him the starter.

Epps has been working with Philadelphia’s first-team nickel defense, while Cooper DeJean has lined up at safety in the base package. Michael Carter also remains in the mix.

“I wouldn’t put it” as Epps’ job to lose, Fangio said Thursday. “It’s competition.”

Finding a replacement for Reed Blankenship is one of the central questions facing Philadelphia’s defense during training camp. Fangio said Epps and second-year safety Andrew Mukuba will share communication responsibilities when they are paired together. DeJean can also handle those duties when he plays safety.

Fangio plans to rotate the combinations throughout camp so players become comfortable working alongside different teammates.

“It’s very important in training camp that you’re not always working with the same guy next to you, particularly at inside linebacker and safety, because things happen,” Fangio said. “We don’t want the first time that happens to be in a game.”

DeJean is expected to remain Philadelphia’s primary nickel defender, although Fangio acknowledged that injuries or performance could force the Eagles to move him.

The secondary competition is only one part of a defense adjusting to several personnel changes. Philadelphia is also waiting for outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard to begin practicing.

Although Greenard’s experience should help him absorb the defense, Fangio said the veteran will be asked to perform some unfamiliar assignments — including occasionally dropping into coverage. Missing a significant portion of camp could make that transition more difficult.

“He’s got to learn it,” Fangio said. “The only way you learn it is to do it. He does a good job in the meetings. He’s paying attention, he’s focused, watching practice, but it’s not the same.”

Fangio would not say whether Greenard will return before the regular season.

In Greenard’s absence, the Eagles recently added A.J. Epenesa to their group of edge defenders. Fangio said Epenesa handled his first practice well despite also being asked to perform tasks he had not previously done.

“It was very encouraging,” Fangio said.

Fangio is also expecting continued growth from Jalyx Hunt and a healthier season from Nolan Smith. Injuries caused Smith to miss an extended stretch last year, but Fangio said both players opened camp with strong practices.

“I thought both him and Jalyx had great days,” Fangio said.