Rookie Standouts and Position Battles Highlight Eagles' Training Camp
ICARO Media Group
The Philadelphia Eagles' training camp is in full swing, and several players are making their mark as standouts on the field. One such player is rookie cornerback Mitchell, who is impressing coaches with his performance. While Isaiah Rodgers and Kelee Ringo split reps at first-team outside cornerback, Mitchell is showcasing his skills as the first-team nickel and dime linebacker. His battles against A.J. Brown in 1-on-1s have become must-see moments of camp, displaying his tenacity and fearlessness against one of the NFL's best receivers.
Mitchell's journey to the Eagles is an intriguing one. As a raw prospect, drafted in the third round, he comes from Houston Christian and was a safety at Cornell only a few years ago. Despite his relative inexperience, Mitchell has shown promise during training camp, exceeding expectations in terms of his development. While he still faces an uphill battle to secure a significant role as a rookie, his physical tools have been on full display, leaving the Eagles front office optimistic about his potential.
The search for the Eagles' No. 3 receiver continues, and one player emerging as a viable candidate is the rookie from Florida State. Standing at an imposing 6 feet 6 inches, he has been earning more first-team reps and even spending time as a bigger slot option. Although he couldn't make the catch during a fade attempt in the end zone, the Eagles' willingness to try such plays with him illustrates their belief in his abilities. With his imposing size, he adds a different dimension to the receiving corps, and his progress during camp is encouraging.
Another player making a strong push for playing time on offense is Covey. After two years as a punt returner, he is now showcasing his skills as a receiver in his third year. Despite being undersized, Covey has consistently impressed on the field, reliably catching passes and gaining yards after the catch. His dedication to studying successful slot receivers with similar builds has paid off, as he makes an impact in Kellen Moore's offense.
Gardner-Johnson has undoubtedly brought energy and enthusiasm to the Eagles' practice field every day. Known for his constant talking and dancing, he has also displayed impressive skills as a safety. Although he hasn't played the position for long, Gardner-Johnson appears comfortable in Vic Fangio's defensive system, flying around the field and making plays. His performance during the first day in pads was particularly noteworthy, with a standout tackle for loss, showing that he has the potential to become an impact player on defense.
Smith, a rookie pass rusher, has caught the attention of spectators with his ability to maneuver around the edge. Adding seven pounds of muscle during the offseason has enhanced his speed-to-power moves, making him even more formidable. However, one of the concerns regarding the undersized rusher was exposed when Fred Johnson limited Smith's impact on a particular play. While Smith continues to impress during camp, overcoming the challenge of facing larger linemen will be essential for his success at the professional level.
Shipley, the rookie running back from Clemson, is gradually making a case for playing time despite the presence of Saquon Barkley and Kenny Gainwell ahead of him on the depth chart. His smooth receiving skills out of the backfield have caught the coaches' attention, showcasing his versatility as an offensive weapon. Although mistakes like missed pass protection and a fumbled exchange occurred during the recent practice, Shipley's overall performance is trending upward, indicating that he could contribute in some capacity this season.
While there have been positive developments for many players during training camp, some have faced challenges. Davis-Price, a former third-round pick from San Francisco, has struggled with drops during practice, hindering his progress among the running backs competing for a spot on the roster. However, it's important to note that training camp performances may not always translate to regular-season success, leaving room for improvement and growth.
Another player facing a challenging situation is Hennessy, an interior offensive lineman signed by the Eagles in March. Despite the addition of several other linemen, Hennessy has yet to receive first-team reps during camp. Furthermore, as a second-team center, he has seen rookie McMahon capture the role, pushing him to the second-team right guard position. Hennessy will need to showcase his abilities and find a way to climb up the depth chart to secure a significant role on the team.
Steen, who initially began training camp as the top right guard, suffered an ankle injury on Day 3, leading to his absence from practice. As a result, Mekhi Becton has taken over the position, creating a legitimate competition for the job. Steen will need to recover quickly and perform at a high level to reclaim his spot on the first team.
Albert O, a tight end known for his athleticism and pass-catching abilities, has had a relatively quiet training camp. While Grant Calcaterra is asserting himself as the TE2 candidate, and C.J. Uzomah is struggling, Albert O has failed to capitalize on the opportunity. To solidify his place on the roster, he must make a more significant impact and showcase his skill set.
Finally, the performance of Pickett, the backup quarterback, has been decent but not entirely convincing. While he possesses a good arm, he appears less comfortable in the offensive system compared to Jalen Hurts. Additionally, Tanner McKee has made a noteworthy impression during recent practice sessions, receiving second-team reps. Pickett's position as QB2 seems secure for now, but he will need to show further progress to instill complete confidence from the coaching staff.
With training camp in full swing, the Eagles are witnessing the emergence of promising rookies, intense position battles, and areas for improvement. As the preseason progresses, coaches will closely evaluate players' performances to determine the final roster.