5 Eagles rookies who already look like they can be early contributors

Well, that was interesting. How about that finish? The Philadelphia Eagles topple the Baltimore Ravens to win their first preseason game. Now, we turn the page to another week, but before we do, let's talk about performances. Birds young and old put their stamp on this one. We'll have a lot to dissect this week.

Let's talk about those young guys for a second. We couldn't have asked for much more from Philly's rookies. As you know, the Birds added nine players during the NFL Draft. They added nine more as undrafted free agents.

We saw some signs that made us smile. Others reminded us that these guys were rookies. Overall, we'll hand out more passing grades because Philly may not have won without its first-year talent.

Is it just us, or are you beginning to believe some of these guys can contribute early in important roles?

Also read: 7 winners (and 3 losers) for the Eagles in their preseason win over the Ravens

Quinyon Mitchell

Oh yeah! This is what we were hoping to see. Quinyon Mitchell started with the first team... Or, the second team that started this one. You know what we mean. He was out there during the first quarter and showed no signs of being uncomfortable.

Though it isn't his natural position, Philly's first-round draft choice played a little in the slot. He also took some snaps at outside corner.

Wouldn't you know it? He almost snagged an interception, but we can live with the drop seeing as how he did so many other things so well.

Next time, we'd like to see him catch the ball though.

Will Shipley

The former Clemson star was pretty impressive. All summer, we complained about his pass protection, but on Friday night, we saw him pick up a blitz rather nicely and do everything else for good measure.

He picked up tough yards between the tackles. He scored as a receiver and returned to kickoffs. Saaquon Barkley's job is safe. So is Kenneth Gainwell's, but we feel better about Will Shipley than we did two or three days ago.

Johnny Wilson

Every time we think of Kellen Moore's offense, we're reminded of something. That slot receiver probably needs to be a decent blocker, and we don't know if Parris Campbell or Britain Covey really qualify.

Now, we did see some decent blocking from Johnny Wilson. He also had a nice catch early for seven yards. He hasn't earned the WR3 job yet, but he keeps doing himself solids. At this stage of the game, that's really all that you can ask for.

Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

Our hearts sang watching someone run around the field with a number 54 jersey carrying Trotter across its back. This isn't just some namesake who's here because of nepotism. There's something here, and after a six-tackle performance, one where he notched a sack, expect to hear Junior's name a few times this week.

This could be the start of some explosive showings.

Jalyx Hunt

We didn't think we'd walk out of this one remembering more of what Jalyx Hunt did than Nolan Smith produced, but this Hunt kid has our attention. Now, what he does with it is up to him.

Worth mentioning: Kendall Milton

Kendall Milton may not make this Eagles 53-man roster. He certainly won't if Philly only keeps three tailbacks, but after leading the team in carries (nine) and rushing yards (39), don't be shocked when we're discussing yet another Georgia Bulldog on the roster this week.

This one plays on offense.

More Eagles preseason news