The Eagles Wrapped Their First Week Of Training Camp. Here’s A Full Stock Up Stock Down Report.
Stock Up Stock Down – Eagles Training Camp Week One
The Eagles are locked in prepping for the NFL regular season. They wrapped their first week of training camp, including their first full padded practice. Who rose to the occasion and impressed in week one? Who still needs to improve? Here’s a full stock up-stock-down report according to Philly Media.
Whose Showing Out?
The best news to report on is the team’s most important player is showing out early in training camp. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has been spectacular, according to most outlets. Philly Voice reports that Hurts has been a “very accurate passer.” He’s been sharp on his deep balls and has yet to throw an interception. This is arguably the most significant improvement, as he was very turnover-prone last year.
NBC Sports Philadelphia also praised Hurts for his efforts. The outlet reported that during spring practices, the offense looked disjointed, and it looked as if Hurts was overthinking. Hurts has apparently adjusted quickly, and this is a strong sign of optimism for the team.
Other common standouts, according to these outlets, are wide receivers DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown. They continue to wow coaches and NBC Sports Philadelphia reported that it feels like at least one of them pulls in a “highlight reel grab every day.” Also, its worth nothing tight end Grant Calcaterra is making his case for the tight end two spot. Philly Voice said that he’s made the most of his time in 11-on-11 drills and has been a reliable pass catcher.
There have also been some defensive standouts. In particular, Jordan Davis has arguably been the team’s best player on that side of the ball, according to Eagles Today. After falling behind in the Eagles’ rotation somewhat the past two seasons, He’s been described as an “ascending talent” whose been solid against the run and picking up pressures in the backfield. Devin White has also reportedly emerged as a leader in the linebacking core.
Who Needs To Improve
Probably the first name that comes to mind as a stock-down candidate is Cooper DeJean. However, this isn’t due to his play on the field, actually it’s his lack of it. DeJean suffered a hamstring injury during a workout before camp and will be sidelined for three weeks. This means he will miss most of camp and lose time for getting into playing shape. He will also lose the early opportunity to build an impression with the defense. Not an ideal start for a player the Eagles hope will be a future franchise cornerstone in the secondary.
Eagles Today also reports that Darius Slay hasn’t had the strongest start to camp. There were already concerns going into this season with his age and changing mentality as a player. The first week hasn’t done much to calm those concerns. Slay has reportedly been beaten “a lot early in camp.” Eagles Today also reports that Nakobe Dean has been having a rough start to camp. Dean has been injured and seen limited action during his time in Philadelphia. Patience on the Bulldogs prospect might be wearing thin as he is apparently getting outplayed by Linebacker Zack Baun.
After the first week of camp, it seems there is plenty of optimism on the offensive side of the ball. However, the defense will need to step it up if the Eagles look to seriously compete for a championship this year.
Main Image: Bill Streicher – USA Today Sports
