Philadelphia Eagles 2021 training camp profile: RB Kenny Gainwell
By Hunter Doyle
What can we expect from the Philadelphia Eagles’ rookie during training camp?
Heading into his first training camp and preseason, Gainwell’s primary focus should be to get familiar with the scheme and playbook. That’s step one for any rookie. He could also benefit from some extra reps in pass protection.
It’s not a weakness for him. He keeps his head on a swivel and understands the correct way to read the box depending upon the defensive front and pre-snap look. Since he didn’t play last year and NFL defenses will have more complex fronts and formations, he’ll need some time to adjust.
The only other concern with Gainwell is his acceleration downfield. He still has the initial burst to get to the second level and make plays but turning the corner in college is much different than turning the corner in the NFL.
The good news is that Gainwell isn’t afraid of contact and won’t have to rely solely on his acceleration to make big plays. It isn’t necessarily a major concern anyway. He was still one of the best backs in the draft at playing in space. That shouldn’t change in his rookie season.