The Eagles’ preseason opener against the Ravens offered a first real look at a rookie class that comes with a little bit of everything: size, speed, upside, and a few obvious rough edges. Some of Philadelphia’s first-year players looked ready for the next step. Others reminded everyone how steep the NFL learning curve can be.
The biggest absence belonged to Makai Lemon. The first-round wideout is still dealing with a hamstring injury, so he never got onto the field.
With a new offense, a new need at receiver without A.J. Brown, and the weight of first-round expectations, his absence is starting to draw real concern.
At tight end, Eli Stowers’ debut was much tougher to watch. The athleticism is there - his work at Vanderbilt and at the NFL Combine made sure of that - but it didn’t translate in this game.
Stowers finished with three catches for 12 yards, and his night started on the wrong foot immediately when he was flagged for holding on the first play from scrimmage. His blocking was shaky throughout, which only fed the questions that already followed him into the league.
If he’s going to become a real weapon, he’ll need to take major steps as a blocker. Grade: D.
The best showing from the rookie group came from Markel Bell. The third-round offensive tackle has been turning heads in camp, and he carried that momentum into game action.
Bell looked composed and in control, and his sheer size showed up everywhere - in the run game and in pass protection. It’s only one preseason game, but the early signs in Philadelphia are strong.
Grade: A.
Cole Payton gave the Eagles a little spark at quarterback. The fifth-rounder flashed the athletic traits that made him such an interesting bet for Howie Roseman, and he made enough plays to leave a good first impression.
Payton completed four passes for 37 yards, threw the Eagles’ only passing touchdown of the night, and added three carries for 45 yards. He still has plenty of development ahead of him, but the debut was encouraging.
Grade: B.
Micah Morris also did his job quietly but effectively. The sixth-round guard showed strength and reliability in both the run game and pass protection, keeping things steady up front.
He hasn’t grabbed the spotlight the way Bell has, but Morris has been a consistent presence since camp opened, and that carried over here. Grade: B+.
On the defensive side, seventh-rounder Uar Bernard handled his first live action better than most would in that spot. He had never taken a snap in a football game at any level before this preseason debut, so simply looking comfortable mattered.
Bernard didn’t get overwhelmed and showed some resistance against the run, which is a solid starting point for a player with plenty of development still ahead. Grade: C+.
There were also useful contributions from a pair of safeties who continue to make cases for roster spots. Maximus Pulley earned a B for steady work at both safety positions, while Kapena Gushiken also got a B after another sound showing, including quality snaps at safety and dependable play in the slot. Both have been consistent in camp, and that carried over into their first NFL game action.
Joshua Weru made his live debut on the edge and logged a pair of pressures. He looked a little scattered at times, but that kind of adjustment is part of the process this early on.
His practice work has been trending in the right direction, and his game performance should keep improving. Grade: C+.
Inside, David Blay Jr. and Zion Wilson were both in the mix for depth roles. Blay Jr. showed a bit of promise as a pass rusher, while Wilson had a tougher night.
Neither one did enough yet to lock anything down, and both still need clear improvement moving forward. Blay Jr. got a C, and Wilson received a D.
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Jalen Lemons path has been slowed by a hamstring injury that has kept him out since Aug. 4, though he is close to getting back on the field, while the tight end picture also carries some real intrigue with Stowers trending toward a healthy scratch as the TE3 for Week 1. Elsewhere, Bell, Payton, Morris, Wisniewski, Bernard and James-Newby are all being judged not just on talent, but on how quickly they can turn their development into something the Eagles can actually use once roster cuts arrive. [Read more 🡒]
Eagles Camp Picture Is Getting Clearer At Wide Receiver
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Smith was back in a helmet and getting in some position work after the hamstring issue that had slowed him, a small but encouraging step for a passing game that still needs its top targets available and sharp. Lemon, meanwhile, stayed out of the full session but kept moving on the side field, running routes and going through the catch circuit as the Eagles continue to monitor a camp picture at wide receiver that is becoming clearer even if it is not settled yet. [Read more 🡒]