Going defensive heavy again in the draft this past year, the Philadelphia Eagles (3-0) eight rookies have had promising developments in the preseason and regular season so far.
The two guys I think who stand out the most after September are safety Sydney Brown and defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Both guys have had stellar performances already and will only get better as the season progresses. Carter is also currently in the Defensive Rookie of the Year running at (+100) odds on BetMGM.
Buy Eagles TicketsBelow are all of the rookies’ stats and thoughts so far after their performances in September or preseason in August.
QB Tanner McKee
For McKee to have to play, Jalen Hurts and Marcus Mariota would have to be injured – which would be the least ideal position for the team to be in this early in the season. Luckily, we know what McKee is capable of as he put up great numbers in preseason.
OL Tyler Steen
Steen is another guy who probably won’t get much play time this season unless one of the core offensive linemen goes down. That’s not to say I’m not impressed with Steen either, but I’m also looking forward to how he develops under this core group of guys as the season progresses. I wouldn’t be opposed to getting him snaps later in the season if the Eagles put themselves in a position to succeed in the postseason. I think Steen is a good guy to keep around as the core offensive guys get older.
LB Nolan Smith
Obviously, the Eagles linebacker room is stacked, so Smith is probably going to be spending time developing in the linebacker room. So far this season, he’s had one solo tackle.
CB Kelee Ringo
Ringo had two solo tackles so far this season. I’m excited to see him continue to develop. Obviously, the cornerback room is stacked right now, but it’s exciting to watch Ringo continue to develop and already excel this rookie season.
CB Eli Ricks
Ricks hasn’t had much play time, if any, yet this regular season. However, he’ll be an interesting guy to keep around as he had a fantastic college career. Also, having the Alabama background coming to the Eagles continues to build the bond around the guys who come from Alabama and Georgia.
S Sydney Brown
Brown is a great player who had a great season. Since preseason, I’ve been rooting for him to make the team in an already shaky safety room. He’s had three tackles and one pass deflect so far. He’s been a speedy defensive guy that I think the Eagles will really benefit from.
DT Jalen Carter
Carter is one of the stellar guys the Eagles picked up and I could not be happier about it, on top of having Jordan Davis as well. The defense is getting beefed up and Carter, among the others is only just getting started. So far this season he’s had five tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
DT Moro Ojomo
Unfortunately, Ojomo suffered a concussion in the preseason so of course a longer recovery time is necessary. Before the injury, I thought Ojomo would be another fantastic defensive guy in development under the Eagles. I hope the team gets to see what he’s able to do in the regular season.
