Preseason Primer

PHILADELPHIA – The Eagles on Thursday kick off the exhibition season at home against the Cincinnati Bengals. While the game likely excludes most projected starters, it marks the next phase of the evaluation process for position battles and those who find themselves on the roster fringes.

For many, the opener represents the first of a three-game job interview, raising the stakes as roster cutdowns loom.

A few drafted rookies of particular interest include fifth-rounders LB Smael Mondon Jr. – who has made waves in camp – as well as OL Drew Kendall and CB Mac McWilliams. But what about those who aren’t exactly household names? I’ve compiled a list of seven Eagles you’ll want to watch for Thursday night.

RB ShunDerrick Powell

While his reps in camp have been limited – typical for down-the-roster players in his position – Powell has managed to open some eyes. Despite sporting a modest 5-foot-7, 183-pound frame, Powell has come up big at times during team periods, demonstrating blazing speed, decisiveness and juice in the open field. A multi-faceted weapon at Central Arkansas, Powell also adds intrigue as a pass-catcher and kick returner. Not sure how much you’ll see of Will Shipley and A.J. Dillon – and fellow rookie Montrell Johnson Jr. has missed time with a hamstring injury – so Powell could see an expanded role against the Bengals. He’s been fun to watch with the ball in hand, and Thursday night should be no exception.

WR Elijah Cooks

Cooks, who this summer shared with us his daily intent of making one play a day, has shown a flair for compiling highlight catches. Tapping into his basketball background, which Cooks attributes to his ability to use his body and create space, the 6-foot-4 wideout has showcased body control, while thriving in contested-catch situations and using his frame to gain positioning on defenders. He’s also considerably more spry than one might expect for someone of his build. The challenge now becomes translating his success on the practice field to preseason production. Due to an expected numbers shortage at his position, Cooks should see the field early.

WR Darius Cooper

Overshadowed by the rise of Cooks, Cooper has impressed in his opportunities this summer, reeling in a flurry of passes and making plays on all three levels. Whether winning on a fade ball against fifth-rounder Mac McWilliams or routinely dazzling in 1-on-1s, showcasing impressive releases and short-area quickness, Cooper has stacked productive sessions. The moment hasn’t been too big for the Tarleton State product, who has established an evident rapport with third-year quarterback Tanner McKee. I’ll be curious to see how he fares on special teams.

OL Darian Kinnard

Kinnard, who was repped at both right tackle and right guard in camp, is a player the Eagles like. The fourth-year pro made the roster out of camp last August, appearing in two games, and has taken a noticeable leap forward this summer under the tutelage of offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland. A preseason iron man last summer, look for Kinnard to accumulate the bulk of the snaps, which should only further fuel his development.

DT Gabe Hall

The Eagles don’t move off of a known commodity like Thomas Booker IV unless they’ve been pleased with the development of rookie Ty Robinson – and Hall. Hall, a second-year pro, spent the entire 2024 season on the Eagles’ practice squad, where he sat in on meetings and learned under heralded defensive line coach Clint Hurtt. He also noted to me last season how beneficial it was for him to go against Landon Dickerson daily in practice. The versatile Hall has had a solid camp to this point, frequently blowing up plays in the backfield while showcasing increased power and first-step quickness. As things stand, he has an inside track to securing the fifth spot in the rotation.

LB Lance Dixon

Dixon, a rookie free agent, has made my trusty training camp notebook more than a few times through 10 sessions and has largely made the most of his opportunities. The rangy linebacker, who has logged reps on all three units in camp, has flashed instincts and coverage chops, but even more so shooting the gap as a blitzer. With Zack Baun (back), and perhaps even first-round linebacker Jihaad Campbell, watching Thursday’s game from the sideline, expect to see a lot of Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Mondon Jr., and Dixon at linebacker.

S Andre’ Sam

Sam, who like Hall spent the duration of last season on the Eagles’ practice squad, has had some nice moments this summer. The 26-year-old even garnered a mention Monday from defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who when assessing the safety depth said that Sam has “been doing a good job.” And for what it’s worth, Sam has been featured on the first team kickoff unit. In my estimation, Sam, who has also logged an occasional first team rep, has been a second-team mainstay who rarely rotates off. Reed Blankenship and second-rounder Drew Mukuba (working his way back from a shoulder injury) probably won’t see much – if any – playing time, leaving the bulk of the heavy lifting to Sydney Brown, Tristin McCollum and Sam.

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