They’re all grown up, one year later. It makes a difference, right? Having gone through this last season, the Eagles’ 2021 Rookie Class understands the pace and the expectations and everything that goes with playing in the NFL. As Philadelphia’s offseason program began a new phase on Monday with the rookies and veterans together for the first time, it was time to consider – amid all the anticipation of what’s to come with this heralded first-year class – how the kids from last season are all grown up and ready to take their next steps in 2022.
With that, here’s an update on the Rookie Class from one season ago and what to expect from them a second time around …
DeVonta Smith, WR, first round
Smith says he wants to work on the “little things” in his game, which is his way of saying that he strives every day to be perfect. Rarely has such a driven player touched down at One NovaCare Way … After his outstanding rookie season – 64 receptions, 916 yards, 5 touchdowns, and a half-dozen incredible, how-did-he-do-it? catches – Smith has extensive NFL experience to fall back on in addition to his wondrous receiving skills. With veteran A.J. Brown on board, Smith’s chances to create even more favorable matchups improve instantly. How will Smith’s role change within the offense? That’s going to be part of the fun watching when the pads go on in Training Camp and into the regular season.
Landon Dickerson, OG, second round
An injury to Brandon Brooks in Week 2 against San Francisco thrust Dickerson into the lineup and, after switching to left guard, he just improved and improved and improved. Now, heading into his second season, Dickerson appears to have a handle at the left guard position and teams with tackle Jordan Mailata to form an imposing left side of the Eagles’ offensive line. Both are huge; both are agile and intelligent and physical and, just like that, the Eagles have a left side of the offensive line that is young and rising.
Milton Williams, DT, third…