The Philadelphia Eagles are officially 8-0 and halfway through the NFL season. With 50% of the road left to travel, now’s a better time than any to check in on the rookie class of 2022 and evaluate its progress.
Eagles Rookies
Jordan Davis | DT | #90
Jordan’s rookie season has unfortunately been put on hold. The Defensive tackle was placed on IR back on November 2nd, but he should be returning to the fold for the closing chapter of the year.
He amassed 12 tackles through 6 games but has been absolutely monstrous against the run. With Davis off the field, the team is allowing 5 yards per carry to its opponents. With him on the field, that number drops down close to 3.
It was a shame to see Davis pick up an injury when he was just finding his footing, but we’ve learned that he is going to be a game-wrecker for years to come.
Cam Jurgens | C | #51
It has been a predictably quiet year for Jurgens, although he did play some snaps against Pittsburgh and has been a regular on special teams. It’s still tough to evaluate him right now, but this was always going to be part of a much larger plan for once Kelce heartbreakingly retires.
Nakobe Dean | LB | #17
Many regarded Nakobe Dean as the steal of the NFL Draft. That may still be the case, but the issue is that this linebacker group has being playing so solidly that Dean has barely seen the field. In fact, he’s been a near-exclusive special teamer up to this point.
The Eagles are bound to have to make some tricky decisions next year and Nakobe Dean’s development is likely going to play a key role in who the Eagles do and don’t bring back from their current group. But he can’t really develop much if he doesn’t see the field…
Kyron Johnson | LB | #58
Surprisingly, per PFR, Johnson has actually played more defensive snaps than Dean, although not by much. Johnson has also been a prominent special teamer, but someone whose versatility has been key to the Eagles. He’s played snaps at defensive end and while he maintains a much lower profile and will see fewer snaps after the arrival of Robert Quinn, it’s been nice to see him get some snaps in and showcase some versatility.
Grant Calcaterra | TE | #81
The Eagles lack any real depth at tight end behind Dallas Goedert and we haven’t seen the former teammate of Jalen Hurts too much up to this point. It’s not like competition is holding him back, with Jack Stoll struggling at the best of times, but the athleticism of Calcaterra has been used at times as a lead blocker.
It would be nice to see him get some more reps as a receiving tight end, but that’s always going to be tricky when 3-receiver sets are commonplace outside of rushing plays.
Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
