PHILADELPHIA − The Eagles went through their sixth practice Friday, and for the rookies, it has been a whirlwind.
But the Eagles, despite coming off a Super Bowl, do have some opportunities for some of their draft picks, particularly first-round pick Jalen Carter and perhaps even third-round pick Sydney Brown, to win a starting job.
That all depends, of course, on how quickly they can learn the system while standing out during the training camp practices and preseason games.
Here’s a ranking of how the rookies are faring through the first week or so of practice, and whether any undrafted rookie free agents have a chance of making the 53-man roster:
7. Tanner McKee, quarterback
The bulk of reps for McKee, the Eagles’ sixth-round pick, and Ian Book, who was the third quarterback last season, come during the developmental period after practice with other deep reserves and roster hopefuls. So it’s hard to get a true gauge for how McKee is faring. Those tests will likely come in the final two preseason games. At 6-foot-6, the Eagles like McKee’s size and arm strength. But if Jalen Hurts or top backup Marcus Mariota were to get injured, it would be hard to see McKee as the proverbial heartbeat away from getting into a real game.
6. Moro Ojomo, defensive tackle
The Eagles’ seventh-round pick has mostly been with the third team during training camp on a deep and talented defensive tackle group. The best Ojomo can do is learn from Fletcher Cox, not to mention younger players like Jordan Davis, Milton Williams and even fellow rookie Jalen Carter, the Eagles’ first-round pick (see below). But there is potential. It’s just that Ojomo might have to show that from the practice squad this season.
5. Tyler Steen, right guard
It is clear that Cam Jurgens, drafted in the second round in 2022, is ahead of Steen, the Eagles’ third-round pick, as the favorite to replace departed free agent Isaac Seumalo. Jurgens has taken every first-team rep so far. And as further proof, Steen spent some time at left tackle on the second team in Thursday’s practice. Either way, Steen is getting an education going against the Eagles’ deep defensive line. That’ll pay off down the road.
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4. Sydney Brown, safety
The Eagles like Brown’s knowledge, even as a rookie, which Brown has shown on blitz packages (without hitting the quarterback). There’s still a chance that he can unseat Reed Blankenship as a starter next to veteran Terrell Edmunds. But Brown admittedly has a ways to go. While he’s often in the right positions, he has yet to do anything to stand out.
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“This is a learning process,” Brown said. “What I can do now is focus on where I am today, and trying to get from Point A to Point B, rather than trying to get to Z. You gotta take the steps to get to where you want to be. And trying to rush through that sometimes is not the right way.”
3. Kelee Ringo, cornerback
Ringo, the Eagles’ fourth-round pick, might have had the play of the day in Thursday’s practice. Getting a chance to go against the first-team offense after James Bradberry left with an undisclosed injury, Ringo tracked DeVonta Smith across the field, then leaped to break up Hurts’ pass in the front corner of the end zone.
Ringo, at 6-foot-2, 207 pounds, has good size for a cornerback, and the Eagles are hoping that he can eventually replace either Darius Slay or Bradberry. But that day isn’t here yet. For now, Ringo is learning behind Slay, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, and Bradberry, a second-team All-Pro last season. But injuries do happen, so Ringo still has to prepare as if he might get a chance.
2. Nolan Smith, edge rusher
You can see glimpses of Smith’s potential, especially now that he has gotten some first-team reps with Haason Reddick still working his way back from a groin injury. Smith, the Eagles’ first-round pick (No. 30 overall), showed his speed when he blew past Chim Orakofor during a one-on-one drill in the Eagles’ first padded practice.
“Oh, man, love the kid. He’s electric,” Reddick said. “I feel like if he keeps going, give him more time, he’s going to get exactly to where he wants to be and have a lot of success in his career. … I feel like he has greatness ahead of him.”
Added Smith: “I’d say the guys that we have here on the D-line − it’s not even talent, it’s knowledge,” Smith said. “It’s something you can’t buy. … In college, I was the old head. Now I realize I don’t know (anything). I’m just here to work and learn.”
1. Jalen Carter, defensive tackle
We have already seen some amazing plays from Carter, the Eagles’ first-round pick at No. 9 overall, who has said his goal for the season is to be named defensive rookie of the year. In the first week, Carter barreled in on Pro Bowl left guard Landon Dickerson and had a “sack” on Hurts. On another play, he pushed over two third-team offensive linemen to bottle up a running back.
On Thursday, Carter moved outside for a series against the first-team offensive line. He went against right tackle Lane Johnson, left tackle Jordan Mailata on back-to-back plays. Carter didn’t get much penetration against either, but that’s quite a learning experience going against those two.
“He’s learning to be a pro,” defensive coordinator Sean Desai said. “He’s doing a great job and he’s taking ownership. He knows what it is in terms of the preparation for your mind and your body, off the field, in the weight room, in the training room, all that stuff. He’s embracing it.”
Undrafted rookies who have stood out
So far, CB Mekhi Garner has stood out the most among the undrafted free agents, following up a strong spring. On Tuesday, Garner had a ferocious hit on RB Charleston Rambo as he caught the ball. Somehow, Rambo held on. … WR Joseph Ngata has looked good at receiver on passes over the middle. … Ty Zentner is trying to unseat punter Arryn Siposs, but so far Siposs seems to be holding him off. … LB Ben VanSumeren and CB Eli Ricks have yet to make standout plays, but there’s still a long way to go. … OTs Chim Orakofor and Trevor Reid have an uphill battle on a deep, talented and veteran offensive line. … The same is true at WR for Jadon Haselwood. … TE Brady Russell is among many vying for spots behind Dallas Goedert.
Eagles holding open practice Sunday at the Linc
The Eagles will hold their only open practice Sunday night at Lincoln Financial Field at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 each, available through Ticketmaster, and the proceeds benefit the Eagles Autism Foundation. Seating is first come, first served. Parking is free.
Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@delawareonline.com. Follow on Twitter @Mfranknfl.
