Eagles stock up, stock down after 2nd round of 2024 training camp practices originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Eagles have now made it through six practices this summer and a couple of them have been in full pads.
So the 2024 version of this team is starting to come into focus a bit.
Of course, theres still a long way to go. The Eagles still have plenty more practices, a joint session with the Patriots and three preseason games before they have to finalize their 53-man roster.
But its time for another stock watch.
We did this after the first three practices of the summer but we have a bunch of new names this time around:
DT Jalen Carter
This one isnt much of a surprise but it seems like just about every day Carter does something that makes you shake your head in the best way possible. Like on the first day of pads when he tossed 363-pound Mekhi Becton out of his way in 1-on-1s. Theres no question that expectations are high for Carter as he enters Year 2.
CB Quinyon Mitchell
While Isaiah Rodgers and Kelee Ringo continue to split the reps at first-team outside cornerback, Mitchell is coming along nicely. Hes getting more and more reps as the first-team nickel (and dime linebacker) and his battles against A.J. Brown in 1-on-1s are already becoming must-see moments of camp. The rookie is taking on one of the best receivers in the NFL and hes not backing down. The Eagles have to love that.
DE Jalyx Hunt
Theres no doubt that Hunt is a raw prospect for a third-round pick. Hes coming from Houston Christian and was a safety at Cornell a few years ago. But hes flashed a bit during this training camp and certainly doesnt look as raw as some expected. He still faces an uphill battle to really work his way into the rotation as soon as a rookie but the physical tools have been on display.
WR Johnny Wilson
As the Eagles wait for someone to step up and win that No. 3 receiver job, the rookie from Florida State is looking good. The 6-foot-6 target has been getting some more first-team reps in recent days and is even seeing some time inside as a bigger slot option. Even though he couldnt pull in the pass, it was fun to see the Eagles try a fade with him in the end zone at the public practice.
WR Britain Covey
After two years as a punt returner, Covey is making a strong push to earn playing time on offense in Year 3. His size might limit him a bit but whenever Covey is on the field, hes getting open, catching passes and looking for YAC. It also makes sense that Covey has studied some other slot receivers with similar builds who have succeeded in Kellen Moores offense.
DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson
The first day in pads was probably the best of the summer for Gardner-Johnson, who knifed into the backfield for a bit TFL. Hes always talking and dancing and its clear that hes bringing juice to the Eagles practice field every single day. But hes also flying around and looking good. Gardner-Johnson hasnt been playing safety all that long but he looks pretty comfortable in Vic Fangios defense.
LB Nolan Smith
We should probably take this one with a grain of salt because Smith was able to wow as a rookie in training camp and it didnt translate to a very productive first NFL season. But his ability to dip around the edge is truly fun to watch and he put on seven pounds of muscle this offseason so that ought to help with speed-to-power moves. Of course, there was one rep where big Fred Johnson got his hands on Smith and erased him from a play; thats the fear with the undersized rusher.
RB Will Shipley
Even though Shipley had a rough practice at the Linc on Thursday night missed in pass protection and was part of a fumbled exchange its still fair to say his arrow is pointing up. The rookie from Clemson looks especially smooth catching the ball out of the backfield and is making the most of those opportunities when he gets the chance. With Saquon Barkley and Kenny Gainwell ahead of him, it wont be easy to earn snaps this season but Shipley is on his way to seeing the field at least a little bit.
Stock down
RB Tyrion Davis-Price
While the former third-round pick from San Francisco has looked fine running the football between the tackles, he has several drops already this training camp. While the other running backs have looked really smooth catching the football, Davis-Price has not.
OL Matt Hennessy
The Eagles signed Hennessy back in March but they keep adding more interior offensive linemen like Max Scharping, Nick Gates as free agents and Trevor Keegan and Dylan McMahon in the draft. After injuries to the top two guards entering training camp, a bunch of other players have gotten first-team reps but not Hennessy. And after starting camp as the second-team center, the rookie McMahon (and Brett Toth some too) has taken over that role and Hennessy is the second-team right guard.
OL Tyler Steen
After beginning training camp as the top right guard in camp but then he suffered an ankle injury on Day 3 and has missed some time. Mekhi Becton has taken his place at right guard and it looks like there’s a legitimate competition for that job now. Steen better hope he’s back in action soon.
TE Albert Okwuegbunam
Its not that Albert O is having a bad training camp but hes known for his athletic ability and prowess as a pass catcher and its been a relatively quiet summer. Grant Calcaterra is running away with the TE2 job and C.J. Uzomah is struggling. But even with those struggles, Okwuegbunam hasnt really taken advantage of it. If he does, he could earn a roster spot.
QB Kenny Pickett
Its clear that Pickett has a pretty good arm and its even fair to say hes having a better camp than Marcus Mariota did as a backup last year. But he doesnt quite look comfortable in this offense yet hes certainly not as comfortable as Jalen Hurts. Ive also been more impressed by Tanner McKee, who has been getting some second-team reps the last couple of days. Pickett probably isnt in any real danger of losing his QB2 job but youd like to see more.
QB Will Grier
The fourth-string quarterback doesnt get an opportunity to throw the ball very much and when he does it hasnt been impressive. If there was any thought that he could compete for a roster spot, that hasnt been the case.
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