Eagles Rookie Report Card: Encouraging start for DeVonta Smith

Examining Philadelphia’s 2021 NFL Draft class.

The Eagles took on the New England Patriots in their second preseason game of the year. Many starters sat out the game and that created an opportunity for the Eagles rookies to make an impression.

DeVonta Smith: B-

It was clear that the Eagles wanted to get DeVonta Smith involved in his preseason debut. He saw a handful of targets in the first half from Joe Flacco. It took a bit for the two to get on the same page, with Flacco misfiring on early throws and Smith not able to adjust to poorly thrown balls.

Towards the end of the half, Flacco got DeVonta Smith the ball twice on short passes. Both times, Smith won early at the line of scrimmage, secured a catch and then picked up yards after the catch.

The game hardly seemed too big for DeVonta Smith, even with the early drops. He looked fast, aggressive and confident against a tough defensive backfield. This is an encouraging start to his career.

Landon Dickerson: N/A

No surprise with Landon Dickerson still on the NFI list. Bonus points for his pregame outfit though!

Milton Williams: C

After a strong showing against Pittsburgh last week, Milton Williams got the start with much of the Eagles defensive line sitting out for the game. Williams got moved inside and out all game, a peek at the kind of versatility they see in him. It is clear his role will be multifaceted in this defense and the team has high hopes for him.

Despite those hopes, this was not the same exciting showing as Williams had last week. The Patriots starters pushed him and much of the young defensive line around in the run game and Williams and the Birds’ line failed to generate much pressure.

Zech McPhearson: C-

Zech McPhearson got the start at cornerback tonight and the Patriots went AFTER him. On a scoring drive, Jakobi Meyers got open against him for three straight catches. Later in the first half, he got burned deep by N’Keal Harry who dropped the pass. To his defense, the pass rush had him in coverage for longer than any corner would have wanted to be.

McPhearson still played tough and made some solid tackles against the run while not allowing yards after the catch. It is important for the young player to take his lumps now so he can learn from mistakes and keep improving.

Kenneth Gainwell: B+

After some brief flashes last week, Kenneth Gainwell saw the ball a few more times against New England and made the most with each touch. Gainwell looked quick as a ball carrier while doing a good job to pick up yards as a check down option in the passing game.

Gainwell clearly has the skill set to be a difference maker in this offense. He has one more week to show his stuff in preseason and maybe make a good argument for a regular season role.

Marlon Tuipulotu: D-

Marlon Tuipulotu had another rough showing against New England after a mediocre game last week. Not only did Tuipulotu fail to anchor against the run, the thing he was drafted for, but he also added nothing as a pass rusher.

Not good if he wants to compete for a spot on such a deep defensive line.

Tarron Jackson: C

Tarron Jackson got the start at defensive end tonight, but failed to make the impact he made a week ago. Against the Patriots starting offensive line, Jackson didn’t get much pressure or push. Not a huge concern in the grand scheme of things, but it would have been nice to see some building on last week.

JaCoby Stevens: N/A

Still listed as “week-to-week” with a lower body injury.

Patrick Johnson: B

Patrick Johnson was all over the field in his second preseason game. Not only did he look good on special teams coverage, but he had some really nice flashes at linebacker and coming off the edge.

Johnson is an intriguing young player for Philadelphia and the staff seemingly wants to use his versatility.

JaQuan Bailey: C

Bailey, like much of his compatriots on the defensive line, failed to make a big impact against the Patriots offense. Even against the backups, Bailey did not stand out the way you would want him too after such a strong NFL debut.

Harry Crider: C

We didn’t hear much of Crider’s name when he was on the field late in the game. Usually a good sign, but nothing spectacular.

Jack Stoll: B+

With Tyree Jackson hurt and Jason Croom going down early in the game, Jack Stoll got some early opportunity to make a mark on the roster. Frankly, he did!

Stoll only caught the ball three times, but the catches were relatively tough catches against coverage. Meanwhile, he looked really solid as a blocker.

Stoll’s outlook has improved tremendously this week with unforeseen injuries happening ahead of him on the depth chart. With a strong showing, he could be pushing Richard Rodgers for the TE3 spot.