Four For An Encore

Following a Wednesday walkthrough, the Eagles return to Gillette Stadium, the site of Tuesday’s joint practice, to take on the New England Patriots for Week 2 of the preseason slate.

While the storyline last week centered on those who would, and wouldn’t start, several positive storylines still emerged from the Eagles’ 16-13 win, perhaps none more encouraging than the performance of the rookie class.

With that, here are four players I’ll have a close eye on:

GETTY PHOTO: Eagles TE E.J. Jenkins will have more opportunities with Grant Calcaterra and Albert Okwuegbunam nursing injuries.

TE E.J. Jenkins

A converted collegiate wide receiver still growing into the tight end position, Jenkins has an opportunity to vault his stock with a solid showing against the Patriots, especially with Grant Calcaterra and Albert Okwuegbunam sidelined. The 6-foot-6, 260-pound tight end has exhibited marked improvements as a blocker — a critical component to his roster bid — and had a strong outing in Foxborough during the joint practice, reeling in a 30-yard touchdown from quarterback Kenny Pickett and using his frame and catch radius to his advantage during 1-on-1s.

Jenkins’ chemistry with Pickett bears watching, as the two got together back in March for throwing sessions while training in Florida. That connection endured throughout spring practice and has carried over into camp.

RT Darian Kinnard

Aside from accounting for all 83 offensive snaps last week in Baltimore — suggesting the team wanted a long look — Kinnard has flashed at various points throughout camp. The 24-year-old, predominantly working as second-team right tackle, also offers guard versatility, perhaps giving him the edge over other swing guard-tackle reserves.

Then there was the glowing endorsement offered by stalwart right tackle Lane Johnson, who on Tuesday said, “If there’s a guy who’s increasingly rising, it’s D.K.”

ITB PHOTO: Nakobe Dean got more run than usual with the first defense in a joint practice vs. the Patriots.

LB Nakobe Dean

Unlike the players listed above, Dean is a lock to make the Eagles’ 53-man roster. In fact, the third-year linebacker is vying for a starting position. And for really the first time this summer, it’s beginning to feel like Dean has some momentum.

While free-agent addition Zack Baun had opened the first 11 practices alongside Devin White with the first defense, Tuesday in Foxborough saw Dean begin with the starting unit in place of Baun. While Dean appeared a tick slow in transition defending the flat to start practice, he ultimately settled in, deflecting a pass that Baun would parlay into an interception while collecting a pair of sacks. The 23-year-old is playing with more control and confidence.

Dean is at his best surging downhill and attacking rather than maneuvering in space, but lately it’s been his ability to showcase a more well-rounded skill set and stack good days that have stood out, suggesting he’s trending in a positive direction.

S Tristin McCollum

Perhaps lost in the shuffle somewhat in the aftermath of the Eagles’ win over the Ravens last week was the performance of the third-year safety McCollum, who was active, rangy and demonstrated a propensity for physicality. The 6-foot-3 McCollum offers the length to impact throwing windows and plays with notable anticipation. The 25-year-old combined for four tackles, including one for loss and another on special teams.

The Sam Houston State product, who has had a good camp, has repped with the second-and-third team. Notably, McCollum is also a member of the first team kickoff unit, a notable nugget considering the value placed on coverage in light of the new kickoff rule.

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.