The Eagles lost their first preseason game. Not the biggest deal in the world, as it mostly matters that they go into the season healthy and confident in their roster. What Saturday’s game gave us some insight into, however, was where some young players stand. Here is how the rookies did in game one.
Makai Lemon: N/A
Makai Lemon missed the preseason opener as he continues to nurse a hamstring injury. The Eagles wide receiver lineup really needs to help, so, here’s hoping he can get well soon!
Eli Stowers: C
Eli Stowers started at tight end and played a handful of snaps in the first quarter. He lined up inline and in the slot, catching three short passes. It was a pretty unremarkable day for the talented rookie tight end. His role this year will require him to make the most out of his targets and provide some solid run blocking. Stowers failed to look dynamic catching the football and only looked fine as a blocker. It is not a huge red flag given it is his first live game NFL snaps and he is playing with a bunch of guys who will not be starting in a few weeks. Hopefully he can continue to grow and make the most of his snaps through the next two preseason games.
Markel Bell: A-
Word out of training camp has been good for Markel Bell, but he exceeded even those expectations with a great first showing. Bell’s major concerns coming into the league had to do with how he’d deal with NFL leverage given his height. Well the good news is he looked really comfortable against some talented pass rushers. He moved well on the edge and looked great coming downhill as a run blocker. Bell has the luxury of getting to wait in the wings this year, but the Eagles should be thrilled with where he is at this point in his development.
Micah Morris: B-
Micah Morris looked really solid through the night playing at guard. He was a solid run blocker and I was surprised how solid he looked as a pass protector. The Eagles need some solid depth at interior offensive line and Morris looks ready to fill in if needed.
Cole Payton: B+
Cole Payton was a breath of fresh air last night. After some really uninspiring play from the other Eagles backup quarterbacks, Payton stepped in and was, at the very least, exciting. His mobility was immediately evident as he picked up some big gains on scrambles and designed runs, including a few runs where he brushed off contact to pick up a few more yards. Then the big highlight came on a play he was able to extend with his feet, but kept his eyes up and found a receiver in the back of the endzone for the Eagles’ lone touchdown of the night.
The Eagles backup quarterback situation is one to monitor this preseason. There are trade rumors swirling about Tanner McKee, even if he had a rough game against Baltimore. It’s possible Payton continues to get long looks in these preseason games so he can play himself into that QB3 spot.
Uar Bernard: D
Uar Bernard played his first live football snaps ever last night. So given that, his grade could be curved a lot higher. But purely looking at results, Bernard mostly had negative plays against the run but had two snaps against the run and pass where he held his own and you could get a glimpse of the talent.
Again, the Eagles are probably encouraged he could stay standing up on a given play, let alone actually make the offense respect him. I bet he keeps getting a bit better each week.
The Rest
Zion Wilson: Wilson is one of a few UDFA defenders on the Eagles. He looked overmatched in all phases last night.
Kapena Gushiken:Gushiken was a pleasant surprise in his first NFL action. The former Ole Miss rebel played both safety spots and slot defender with a lot of comfort, looking especially good coming up to stop the run.
Maximus Pulley:Another impressive rookie safety, Maximus Pulley looked excellent playing both safety spots.
Joshua Weru: Uar Bernard isn’t the only international project the Eagles have on the roster. Joshua Weru is a former rugby player who is hoping to earn a roster spot as an edge defender for the Eagles. At 6’4”, 244 pounds and athletic, there is much to like about Weru from a talent perspective. However, he will need a lot more work as he struggled in his first NFL action. The physicality of Baltimore’s offensive linemen overwhelmed him as a run defender and pass rusher.
David Blay Junior: David Blay Junior has a lot to like. He has a stout build at 6’2” and 295 pounds and plays with a nice burst. He had some nice reps as a pass rusher last night but struggled to make an impact as a run defender. The tools are there, but he needs to continue to learn to anchor against an NFL run blocker.