Down in Lehigh, the Eagles will have finished up their third day of yet another successful day of training camp. For the first three days, the Eagles coaches and personnel worked with rookies and selected veterans. In all, the first three days went well, with some players displaying more than others. Granted, full pads dont come on until Wedensday, some player are already showing a sign of promise, while others need to show more if they expect to make the final roster.
Players who impressed me:
Jeremy Bloom-In three days, I am most impressed with Jeremy Bloom. Last season, Bloom missed the entire 2006 season but, in this years training camp, Bloom is showing why he is the hardest working Eagle on the roster. From watching him today, he was catchin balls underneath and at the same time he was being aggressive. Bloom, a very quick reciever is certain to be the team kick retuner this season. However, his reciever skills are what is underrated about him. He makes great cuts when running routes and has good hands. I still want to see Jeremy with the pads on to be totally sold on his recieving skills, but thus far he has impressed me.
Kevin Kolb-The shocking second round pick out of Houston, Kevin Kolb has gotten alot of reps today in practice and about 50% of the reps at shotgun in the seven-on-sevens. Unlike McNabb, Kolb does not throw a heavy pass, he puts more touch on the pass. He has good arm strength, and is fairly mobile. Moreover, Kolb shows good poise and composure in the pocket. To me his favorite thing to do, is check down to the halfbacks for short gains, sounds alot like Jeff Garcia but, Kolb does not seem distracted when being pressured and, does not force the issue on anything. Like I said earlier, the pads have not come on yet, so its hard to make any clear assesment but, as for know, Kolb looks like a sharp player.
Stewart Bradley-Bradley was noted as the best SAM linebacker in this years NFL Draft, however with veterans not arriving yet, Stewart has been playing alot of middle linebacker. Jimmy Johnson feels he has the body, size and instincts to play the positon. With Jeremiah Trotter and Omar Gaither begining tommorrow, Bradley will look to see alot more strong side playing time and, battle it out with second year player Chris Gocong.
Chris Gocong- I alluded to Gocong earlier, he plays the SAM positon just like Stewart Bradley does. Gocong missed all of last season with a stinger injury. While in college at Cal-poly, Gocong played defensive end. In the NFL, Chris will be playing strong side linebacker and is likley to be the teams opening day starter. From what I have seen thus far, Gocong looks like a smart player with a nact for the ball. If there is any one player who I want to see with the pads on though, it is Gocong.
Tony Hunt- The final player who I just admire on this team is Tony Hunt. Another great PSU runningback comes into the NFL with high expectations for its team. Tony is recognized as the power back all Philadelphia fans have been hoping for. Hunt seems to be running routes well in 7 on 7's. There have not been much run plays through the first three days, so I havent gotten to see him run the ball much, but he seems to be a reliable target in the flats out of the backfield. He has exceptional power at the NFL level and is just about a slam dunk to make the team. His down hill running style is blueprint for what the Eagles need to impliment into their offense.
Other notable players who impressed me are guys like Donovan McNabb,AJ Feeley,Bill Sampy, Zac Collie, Dustin Fox and CJ Gaddis(who is learning the system fast)
Players who need to step it up when the vets come.
Nate Ilaoa-Nate is a long shot to make this team in my eyes. A 7th round pick out of Hawaii, Nate is a very powerful runner with quick feet. They have been trying him out at fullback and runningback. Coming out of the backfield, Nate has dropped several passes, which is not good for a 7th round pick trying to make the team. Along with that, Nate seems winded at the end up camp sessions, which shows a lack of endurance.
Saverio Rocca- Rocca has in a way impressed me. If he can combine some accuracy and consistency with his powerful foot, he wouldnt be on this list. Rocca can really boot the ball.
Kelley Holcomb-Kelley is the 4th quarterback on this roster and with Atlanta having the Vick situation, Kelley seems like a guy who could be being shopped around. He is showing good leadership, but has a slim chance to make the team because of having Kolb and a veteran in the system in AJ Feeley.
All in all, through three days I am impressed with all the young Eagles players and hope to see more of the same when the veterans begin tommorow.
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