Stock Watch

The Philadelphia Eagles are set to begin a four-day run of practices in preparation for their preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens.

With six practices of data to gauge a fair assessment, given the natural ebb and flow of training camp, the stocks of various players have altered. While marquee talents, like quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver DeVonta Smith, have been stellar, I opted to omit them from this exercise, instead delving a bit beneath the surface.

With that, here are eight players who fit that criteria, as noted in my stock report.

Stock Up

RB Kenny Gainwell

Unwisely dismissed by some, Gainwell has persistently flashed throughout camp, particularly as a pass-catcher, slipping behind defenders on multiple occasions. The fourth-year running back has looked noticeably more explosive and springy this summer, complementing his well-round skill set.

Sure, Gainwell isn’t overly electric or likely to hit the home run, but the Memphis product is simply a good football player whom the Eagles trust and believe in, especially in situational moments. A pass-catching running back in Kellen Moore’s offense, Gainwell will have a defined role as the Eagles’ top backup behind Saquon Barkley.

ITB Photo: Fourth-year running back Kenny Gainwell is having a strong camp.

WR Johnny Wilson

Intriguing, albeit a tad enigmatic coming in, Wilson, the Eagles’ 2024 sixth-round pick, was merely expected to compete for a roster spot. But the 6-foot-6 rookie, who this offseason logged some off-the-field work with quarterback Jalen Hurts, has established early traction, garnering reps with the first-team offense. With his versatility and comfort level prominently on display, Wilson hardly looks out of place.

The Florida State product has picked things up fairly quickly and is playing fast. He also has the confidence of the Eagles’ starting quarterback, who name-dropped Wilson during his Thursday availability. While Wilson may not open the season as the third receiver in the pecking order, it’s possible that the Eagles may opt for a committee approach to the role, taking advantage of skill sets.

One play during Thursday’s open practice in particular potentially foreshadowed Wilson’s usage, with Hurts attempting a fade ball to the lengthy wideout in the left corner of the end zone. The two weren’t able to connect, but the play reinforced Hurts’ trust in the rookie.

TE Grant Calcaterra

A sparsely used 2022 sixth-round pick, Calcaterra originally entered training camp as the favorite to run away with the third tight end role behind veteran C.J. Uzomah. But through dependability and confidence, Calcaterra has appeared to have gained the trust of his quarterbacks. The 24-year-old has found himself on the receiving end of a flurry of short-to-intermediate passes throughout camp, establishing a penchant for being in the right spot and creating separation at the top of routes. When asked, offensive coordinator Kellen Moore even went as far as to name Calcaterra as his No. 2 tight end.

CB Isaiah Rodgers

In what has seemingly become a two-person competition to become the Eagles’ starting cornerback opposite of Darius Slay, Rodgers, in my view, has the edge over second-year cornerback Kelee Ringo. Rodgers, whose three practices opening with the first-team defense now matches Ringo’s total, has been the more consistent player, demonstrating remarkable closing and recovery speed and has gotten his hands on several passes. There’s still plenty of time to assess, but Rodgers has had a really strong and steady camp to this point.

Stock down

G Tyler Steen

Entering training camp with the inside track to seize the job opening at right guard, Steen suffered a setback, sustaining an ankle injury last weekend. Still sidelined, Steen can only helplessly watch as veteran Mekhi Becton, a converted tackle, continues to improve with reps in his place. It’s possible that Becton, an enormous lineman with otherworldly power and athleticism, may have usurped Steen anyway in a legitimate competition, but the 2020 first-round pick has at least shown enough to give the coaches something to mull over.

Upon his return to the lineup, with Becton looming, it will be imperative for Steen to quickly round into form.

WR Ainias Smith

Arriving in Philadelphia to considerable fanfare due to a decorated collegiate resume and intriguing skill set, it was assumed by many that Smith would be ahead of Wilson at this stage of the evaluation process. Smith, however, has experienced a Shelton Gibson-like camp, dropping several passes and seemingly pressing. There are six players at the moment comfortably ahead in the wide receiver pecking order. Perhaps Smith dazzles in game situations, but he’ll enter the exhibition season under the microscope.

TE C.J. Uzomah

Signed in free agency to bolster a shallow tight end group, the notable plays from Uzomah have been few and far between. While the drops are problematic, perhaps even more so is the slow-footed Uzomah’s inability to create much in the way of separation. And even though I’m skeptical of just how much gas he has in the tank, the preseason performance will be revealing. To my eye, there isn’t much separating Uzomah from the likes of fellow position players Albert Okwuegbunam and E.J. Jenkins aside from his blocking.

LB Oren Burks

A veteran of 91 games (15 starts), Burks was signed with the expectation of providing experience and special teams prowess to a largely unproven unit. But a knee injury sustained during the early stages of the initial training camp practice has sidelined Burks since, clearing a path for second-year LB Ben VanSumeren to further showcase his natural ability and progression. Through six practices, VanSumeren appears to have played himself off of the roster fringes — trading places with Burks.

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