We’ve seen a dozen Philadelphia Eagles practices. The most recent was open to the public. We’ve learned much. We’re also seemingly no closer to determining who the other starting cornerback on the other side of Quinyon Mitchell will be.
This was supposed to be a two-man race. Kelee Ringo and Adoree Jackson were the expected front-runners. Neither took complete command, which is why Jakorian Bennett is here.
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There are more extended versions of that story. This was as concisely as we could provide insight. The first preseason game was a rough one for Ringo. Jackson didn’t fare much better.
Bennett didn’t play. That wasn’t a surprise. He hadn’t practiced yet, but once he got on the field, he earned some first-team reps. Make no mistake. The cornerback job on Philadelphia’s roster is wide open for the taking.
What are the chances of Jakorian Bennett claiming a starting role for himself?
Life in the NFL can be a whirlwind. Shortly after hearing the Las Vegas Raiders were trading him to Philadelphia, Jakorian Bennett was on a one-way flight to the City of Brotherly Love in the early morning hours. He was present for the Eagles‘ following practice but didn’t participate.
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As mentioned, he sat out the preseason opener, but he made his practice debut on Saturday. He also worked out during the open session in front of fans the following day. Breaking up some of the on-field activity was a sit-down he enjoyed with local media members.
“I’m a guy that’s going to do my job. I’m gonna play hard, and I’m just going to prepare the right way. And whatever the coach need me to do, I’m gonna do it to the best of my ability, and they going to get a dog.”
There it is, straight from the source. He also offered the expected theories: He’s blessed to play the game. Philadelphia has a great culture. He wants to help this team win more games as they advance through the 2025 NFL regular season.
It seems reasonable to state that Philadelphia quietly hopes that Ringo wins the starting job after using a recent draft pick to acquire him. We have learned time and time again that this game comes without any guarantees.
There is no clear winner of the starting job yet. The Eagles may want to see Ringo take that next step, but they can’t make him do so. He has to earn the job on his own. Don’t be shocked if Bennett catapults himself onto the roster and leapfrogs some guys. Perhaps defensive coordinator Vic Fangio says it best. Everyone on this roster has the opportunity to compete here.
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This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Jakorian Bennett has an inside track to the Eagles’ starting CB job