Under The Lights

Under the lights of Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles on Thursday evening will hold practice open to the public.

The annual event, which begins at 6:30 p.m., for many presents the unique opportunity to scope out the 2024 version for the first time, adding a layer of interest and intrigue to the session.

The Eagles, approaching the dog days of training camp, will have some difficult decisions to make in the coming weeks.

But open practice typically poses as a good evaluation point to assess the roster.

Here are five players worth having a close eye on:

RB Will Shipley

The 2024 fourth-round pick has flashed as a pass-catcher, showcasing short-area quickness and a knack for turning up-field to churn out yards after the catch. The Clemson product has had a busy camp thus far, reeling in a flurry of passes and seemingly acclimating, playing faster and with more confidence than the spring.

TE Grant Calacaterra

The third-year tight end emerged during spring practices and has parlayed that momentum into staying power, usurping veteran C.J. Uzomah as the team’s immediate backup behind Dallas Goedert. Calcaterra has been a popular — and reliable — target during camp, mostly operating within the short to intermediate levels of the field. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound pass-catcher has appeared to gain the trust and confidence of his quarterbacks.

OL Mekhi Becton

Apart from his enormity and power, Becton will be one to watch, as the veteran offensive lineman has a legitimate opportunity to seize the starting role at right guard with projected starter Tyler Steen (ankle) sidelined. A converted tackle, Becton has appeared to smoothly transition inside, working within a confined space and generating consistent force with hand usage and natural strength.

LB Nakobe Dean

The polarizing Dean has so far exhibited no ill effects on the foot injuries sustained last season. The 23-year-old has showed well as a blitzer, with plus-movement when moving laterally and swarming to the football. A highly cerebral player, Dean finds himself at the center of one of the more intriguing camp battles, contending with veteran Zack Baun for a starting role alongside Devin White. Be on the lookout for how Dean fares in coverage.

CB Isaiah Rodgers

Among the prominent camp standouts through five practices, Rodgers has opened two practices as the Eagles’ first-team cornerback opposite Darius Slay, one fewer than second-year pro Kelee Ringo. Still, Rodgers edges out Ringo in my power rankings due to his high-level instincts and closing speed, but perhaps more notably, Rodgers has gotten his hands on a ton of footballs. Not only do I believe Rodgers comes up with the first interception of training camp — I believe the fifth-year pro opens the season as a starting cornerback.

Bonus: Some of my under-the-radar players to key in on are TE E.J. Jenkins, EDGE Patrick Johnson, LB Ben VanSumeren, CB Tyler Hall and S Tristin McCollum.

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