PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles continued their summer training camp at the NovaCare Complex on Monday amid intense heat, focusing on fine-tuning their roster ahead of the upcoming <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL season. As the team prepared to transition from shorts and shells to full pads on Tuesday, notable developments in player performances and position battles emerged, shedding light on key storylines such as the Dallas Goedert full season prediction.
During the fourth day of camp, the Eagles’ defense held a strong edge over the offense, with Jalen Hurts throwing his first interception of camp to Quinyon Mitchell, while third-string quarterback Kyle McCord’s telegraphed pass was intercepted by Tariq Castro-Fields. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s unit, highlighted by emerging talents like Moro Ojomo and Mac McWilliams, impressed, showing promise as they battle to prove their ability this season. Meanwhile, the offense is mainly settled, with the right guard competition between Tyler Steen and Kenyon Green standing as the lone unresolved skirmish.
Adoree’ Jackson Appears Favored for Week 1 Outside Cornerback Position
Despite the competition peaking early, the cornerback battle at the outside position currently leans toward Adoree’ Jackson. Jackson has started alongside the first team in the outside corner role for three consecutive practices, outpacing Kelee Ringo, who began camp as a starter but has since ceded the spot.
Jackson’s ability to avoid conceding big plays has been impressive, granting him the advantage over Ringo. Still, Ringo, only recently turned 23, remains in the fight as the Eagles prepare to test him thoroughly once pads are introduced. This week stands as a critical period for Ringo’s opportunity to reclaim the starting job.
Moro Ojomo Projected to Achieve Over Five Sacks This Season
Moro Ojomo has been a standout among the defensive line group through the opening practices, signaling a breakout campaign ahead. The Eagles’ decision to let Milton Williams walk in free agency stemmed from their growing confidence in Ojomo’s capabilities as a pass rusher. The seventh-round rookie has demonstrated notable prowess, repeatedly pressuring starting right guard Tyler Steen and showcasing moves like a slick swim and bull rush in one-on-one drills against high-caliber linemen such as Landon Dickerson.
Though Ojomo has yet to record a sack in his young career, he is firmly positioned as the team’s third defensive tackle and is expected to generate substantial disruption on passing downs this season, much to the benefit of the Eagles’ defensive front.
Cooper DeJean Increasingly Featured at Safety Position
Versatility has been key for Cooper DeJean early in camp, with the coaching staff deploying him frequently at safety in the base defense to maximize his time on the field. Known primarily as the nickel slot cornerback, DeJean benefits from the range safety provides, allowing him freedom to cover more ground.
Meanwhile, rookie Mac McWilliams has impressed as the slot cornerback, particularly in red zone drills where he broke up a pass intended for the much taller Johnny Wilson. McWilliams’ strong performance at 5-foot-10 has earned attention, though DeJean’s ability to contribute at both spots may see him retain more defensive snaps if he holds his own in the slot.
Linebacker Competition Between Jihaad Campbell and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Remains Unsettled
First-round pick Jihaad Campbell has made a promising start to training camp, returning quickly from offseason shoulder surgery and logging increasing first-team snaps. Campbell’s quickness was on display with a sack against Tanner McKee during the red zone session, showcasing his closing abilities. However, he has also been challenged in 1-on-1 drills as more experienced teammates help him acclimate.
Despite Campbell receiving more first-team reps, veteran Jeremiah Trotter Jr. continues to be a viable contender. Trotter demonstrated solid instincts and positional awareness with a key pass breakup during 11-on-11 drills, reinforcing the notion that the linebacker battle remains competitive throughout the summer.
Tyler Steen Leading for Right Guard Spot Despite Early Struggles
Tyler Steen has ostensibly secured the right guard starting role due to consistent first-team reps and defensive alignment choices. Nevertheless, his battle is far from decided, as Moro Ojomo has frequently gained the upper hand in trench battles, especially in live 11-on-11 team periods.
Steen will need to improve once pads are on, as the early results suggest vulnerability. Kenyon Green and Matt Pryor remain a threat to challenge for the position moving forward, ensuring an engaging contest for the starting guard spot.
Jahan Dotson’s Touchdown Forecast Remains Conservative
Although Jahan Dotson has displayed marked improvement during training camp, developing better chemistry with quarterback Jalen Hurts, expectations for a high touchdown total remain tempered. Dotson spent the previous season adjusting to the Eagles offense after a trade and contributed key plays despite limited targets.
With a loaded receiving corps featuring Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert, the number of touchdown opportunities is limited. Dotson will seize chances when available, but reaching five or more touchdowns may be optimistic given the offensive depth and distribution of targets.
Dallas Goedert Expected to Play at Least 15 Games This Year
The question of whether Dallas Goedert can finally complete a full season continues to be a focal point, and current signs suggest he will be significantly healthier this year. Injuries have hampered Goedert regularly since he ascended to the primary tight end in 2021, with only his rookie campaign in 2018 marking a fully healthy 17-game season.
This year is critical for Goedert, playing on a restructured one-year deal ahead of free agency. Having missed 15 games over the past three seasons, a healthy and durable Goedert would substantially raise his market value based on his productivity when on the field. He admits that many injuries are beyond his control, emphasizing his commitment to preparation while maintaining a physical style that can lead to wear and tear.
The team and player appear optimistic that chance will favor his fitness this season, which is vital given the Eagles’ challenging schedule and need for offensive stability.
Ty Robinson’s Role on Defense Likely Limited This Season
Selected in the fourth round of this year’s draft, rookie Ty Robinson entered training camp with tempered expectations after a rough start became evident during Monday’s session. Defensive line coach Clint Hurtt reprimanded Robinson for failing to pursue the ball aggressively, and the rookie struggled against Jordan Mailata, who dominated him physically during drills. Fellow rookie Moro Ojomo offered candid advice, labeling the NFL a “grown man’s sport.”
Robinson currently sits behind Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Ojomo, and Thomas Booker on the depth chart at defensive tackle, suggesting that his first year may focus on development rather than significant playing time.