One to watch: LB Nate Gerry
13 June 2018 Eagles News
With a hole on the roster going into training camp, the Philadelphia Eagles are expecting one linebacker to step up. The player to watch competing for this spot is second year linebacker Nate Gerry.
Even though Gerry saw limited action at linebacker for the Eagles last season, he gained valuable experience. In week 17, Gerry showed when he could do when he tracked down Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten and made a crucial pass break up. Even though we just saw glimpses last season, it was enough to speculate about his future.
Now we’re in the future and Gerry has been taking first team reps with the team in OTAs. Even though it is OTAs, the Eagles are looking at all their options at weak side linebacker.
Nate Gerry continues to get a lot of run with the first-team defense at linebacker. Still early, but has a real chance to replace Mychal Kendricks. #Eagles
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) June 12, 2018
With that being, Gerry has all the tools to become a valuable member of the Eagles’ defense. Converting from safety, Gerry is good in coverage and able to read the opposing offense really well. Those traits bold well at linebacker as he’s able to know what is coming at all times.
The Eagles knew Gerry would be a project when they drafted him last season. Now, just one year into that project Gerry is ready to seize the spotlight.
This training camp, the Eagles have an opening at weak side linebacker up for the taking. Between Gerry, Corey Nelson and Kamu Grugier-Hill, one of those three will start. In my opinion, Grugier-Hill is still going to be a player ready to rotate in, not a starter. This camp battle is between Gerry and Nelson. Both players are pretty similar but Gerry has one thing Nelson does not and that’s the familiarity with the team and what they want to do.
Gerry has a real shot to become the starter for the Eagles. He’s shown he’s able to make plays in a regular season game as well as in practice. So far, he’s been impressive and as training camp nears, he’s definitely one to watch.
Photo Credit: Philadelphia Inquierer