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The Philadelphia Eagles got a glimpse of their 2019 roster in their preseason loss to the Tennessee Titans last Thursday. On Thursday, August 15th, the Eagles should continue to get that against the Jacksonville Jaguars in preseason Week 2 action. Their faithful should have plenty to watch for in the game, including these three players in particular.
3. Andre Dillard – LT
Andre Dillard's pass protection is something you want to take out, take it slow with, and put a ring on. It's something to fall in love with over and over again, and Eagles fans should feel spoiled to have him on the roster. In his preseason debut, he showed just that and won the collective heart of Philadelphia in the process.
All eyes were on #Eagles 1st-Round Pick Andre Dillard on Thursday night, and he did not disappoint. We knew about his great feet, but look at the hand usage on some of these clips. Great to see from the rookie. #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/p459gnOCY0
— Fran Duffy (@EaglesXOs) August 12, 2019
Dillard earned fans before the draft for his pro-ready pass protection. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound tackle was groomed within Mike Leach's famed Air Raid offense in Washington State. While many saw the opposite because of that very offense, he's showing that those that see him as a pro-ready prospect were right.
If Dillard keeps up his impressive preseason play, he may be in line to replace Jason Peters in 2019. While that may be premature, he has been that good. As the exhibition games progress, all eyes will be on him as the eventual successor to Peters, or his immediate replacement.
It's absurd how great a value Dillard was at No. 22 overall, and he continues to show that.
2. Miles Sanders – RB
Just like Dillard is the future and potential present for the Eagles' left tackle position, Miles Sanders is the same for the running back position. Though former Pro Bowler Jordan Howard is entrenched as the starter, the Eagles paid a hefty price (second-round pick) for Sanders to make him the second back selected in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Sanders didn't show much in his first preseason game — rushing the ball three times for the same number of yards. But, he was on a limited snap count as the Eagles spent most of their night revolving backs to figure out their committee behind Howard and Sanders.
More Miles Sanders… pic.twitter.com/Gy0ZnyCz1k
— Gayle Saunders (@EagleSessions) August 5, 2019
Sanders is battling for the starting job. He's impressed in training camp, and, as a prospect, draws comparisons to former Eagle great LeSean McCoy. But, Howard is no-slouch; he's a true workhorse back. Sanders will have to take his solid training camp outings into preseason play if he wants to be the starter.
If he does want it, expect to see fun, hard, play by Miles Sanders in his second preseason game. Due to his potential starting status, it's easy to claim why he's worth watching out for.
1. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside – WR
Maybe I'm cheating here; after all, three rookies are always worth watching in the preseason. But, J.J. Arcega-Whiteside is something else. At Stanford, he was a walking highlight reel of possession catches, red zone snags, and “Mosses.” Why can't he be the same in the preseason, at least?
In his first preseason game, Arcega-Whiteside caught two balls for 23 yards. He had a big third-down catch with a defender draped over him; but, he made it look easy with his extensive background of contested catches looking… well, easy.
Eagles get Wentz a good one
Philly goes with Stanford WR JJ Arcega-Whiteside pic.twitter.com/eqD6T9gyKt
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) April 27, 2019
In many senses, Arcega-Whiteside is a comparable player to incumbent starter Alshon Jeffery. Both are big-bodied (Arcega-Whiteside: 6-2, 225, Jeffery: 6-3, 216) threats in the red zone, run physical routes, and are either building or have built brands as contested catches aces.
With the Eagles' wide receiver starting unit looking tough to crack, Arcega-Whiteside probably won't start in 2019. Meaning, the Eagles should look to continue getting him reps in the preseason. What Eagles fans will be looking for is essentially their next Jeffery. So, take it as you're watching Jeffery against backups? Or not?
