Jalen Mills

FILE - In this July 25, 2016, file photo, Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Jalen Mills watches during practice at NFL football training camp in Philadelphia. Mills, who earned the nickname the Green Glblin after he dyed his hair green in training camp, could start his first NFL game Monday night, Sept. 19, at Chicago. Mills practiced with the first team on Thursday because Leodis McKelvin has a left hamstring strain. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola, File)

(Chris Szagola)

PHILADELPHIA -- Eagles cornerback Jalen Mills could be in line for his first career NFL start Monday night against the Chicago Bears, if cornerback Leodis McKelvin is unable to go but long before he lines up against Kevin White or Alshon Jeffery it was another elite receiver who helped harden the rookie out of LSU.

Mills, currently behind veterans Nolan Carroll and Ron Brooks on the Eagles depth chart, credited practice field battles at LSU against Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. for preparing him for what it might be like to line up against either of Chicago's physically imposing receivers.

"For sure," Mills said following Friday's practice at the NovaCare Complex, when asked if those practice field battles helped prepare him for the test he could be facing against the Bears. "Playing those guys in college, those guys are some of the top receivers now in the NFL. This week, we are playing against elite receivers. I just have to play sound technique and we have to play our style of football as a defense."

Chosen in the seventh round of April's NFL Draft, Mills' strong play throughout the spring, training camp and preseason is a significant reason why the Eagles dealt away Eric Rowe for a conditional fourth-round draft choice. While labels certainly are thrown out the window quickly in the NFL, Mills says that he does expect to be targeted, should he see significant playing time against the Bears.

"I feel like I'm ready," Mills said. "Our coaching staff on the offense, they've been doing a good job since OTAs and our receivers have helped me get prepared and get my game better each and every day. Even in camp, in OTAs, I was getting extra work in with our wide receivers, just so I can get used to the NFL."

It has been business as usual for Mills this week both in terms of practice reps and preparation, despite a potentially significantly larger workload in Week 2. After earning a roster spot and climbing the depth chart, Mills says that his preparation for this opportunity began long before taking the field in relief of McKelvin in Sunday's opener.

"Maybe just playing in the SEC," Mills said was the genesis of his work-ethic and his strict regiment when it comes to preparation. "And having to be prepared and ready week in and week out because you never know. Coming from LSU, any game each week could be detrimental to your season.

"We're on a bigger stage right now, this is the NFL. For sure, playing against Alabama while at LSU, you had elite guys on the field. Now, we're at the highest level of football so everybody is elite. You don't have a weak link on the field. Everybody is good enough to be in on every play."

Matt Lombardo may be reached at MDLombardo@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardo975. Find NJ.com Eagles on Facebook.