Eagles’ new CB Jakorian Bennett makes his practice debut

PHILADELPHIA — Jakorian Bennett, whom the Eagles acquired from Las Vegas last week to address their hole at the second cornerback position, hit the practice field for the first time at NovaCare Complex on Saturday. Afterward, he was asked what type of player the organization is getting in him.

“They’re gonna get a dog,” he said. “I’m a guy that’s going to do my job, I’m gonna play hard. I’m going to prepare the right way, and whatever the coach needs me to do, I’m going to do it to the best of my ability. … I’m just trying to go out here and be the best version of ‘JB.’ I know the player I am, I know the player I can be.

“This is a winning organization, so just having that kind of culture, that feeling, it’s definitely different. … I just want to come in and do my part, whatever that is, and help the team win some more games.”

Bennett worked with the second and third units in drills. It will take some time for him to get acclimated to defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s system. But he is expected to compete with Kelee Ringo and Adoree’ Jackson for the starting job at outside corner opposite Quinyon Mitchell.

“Everybody’s got the right to compete out here,” Fangio said. “I think we need to get his feet under him and get our eyes on him and see what happens over the next few weeks.

“Watched a little bit of his tape last year with the Raiders. He’s got some good speed, got some coverability. Just throw him into the action and see what he’s got.”

Bennett, 24, was the Raiders’ most promising cornerback in 10 games last year (seven starts), with eight pass deflections and 26 combined tackles, before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. At 5-11, 195 pounds, he doesn’t have the length that new Las Vegas coach Pete Carroll traditionally seeks and was only getting limited reps in camp there.

The Raiders drafted him in the fourth round in 2023 out of Maryland, where he played three seasons after transferring from Hutchinson Community College in Kansas.

“I was just trying to fly around and hit whatever I see,” Bennett said of Saturday’s practice. “I see an opportunity to just compete and do whatever I can to help the team win. At the end of the day, that’s the type of player I am. I just want to help the team win.

“I’m just blessed to play this game. A lot of people don’t really get to play, like 1%. I went JUCO first, so I’ve seen the statistic to where .04% of players who went to JUCO make it to the NFL. And I’m .04%, so I’m just blessed wherever I play.”

Baun is back

Inside linebacker Zack Baun (back), who got injured at the start of training camp, returned to the field on a limited basis. Left guard Landon Dickerson (knee) and receiver Terrace Marshall also saw limited action.

Baun was rewarded with a three-year, $51 million contract in the offseason after a breakout 2024, when the Eagles signed him to a one-year deal as a special teams player and he ended up becoming a first-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowl selection on defense.

Stock up, stock down

Sure, last week’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals was only one game, and coaches evaluate players on their overall performance throughout training camp and the preseason, but there were some standouts — both good and bad.

Most folks know that quarterback Tanner McKee had a great night, and that corners Ringo and Jackson didn’t fare so well, but here are a few other notables. First, the good…

Defensive tackles Ty Robinson and Gabe Hall: Both got pressure against the Bengals’ front. The rookie Robinson notched a sack and a pair of tackles, and Hall had three tackles.

Running backs Will Shipley and AJ Dillon: Shipley rushed seven times for 48 yards, including a 38-yard burst, and caught a pass out of the backfield.Dillon had 27 yards on five carries plus three receptions for 27 yards. It was encouraging for depth behind Saquon Barkley, and it also said something about right guard Tyler Steen and the offensive line. Steen has been getting the bulk of the first-team reps in camp after the departure of Mekhi Becton.

Receivers Darius Cooper and Johnny Wilson: Cooper was a revelation with six catches for 73 yards and a touchdown. Wilson had three for 73, including one for 20 yards.

And the not so good…

Cornerback Eli Ricks: Dropped an easy interception late in the first half.

Safety Sydney Brown: After correctly diagnosing a screen on a second-and-2 near midfield, he took a bad angle to the receiver and got blocked.

Nickelback Mac McWilliams and linebacker Smael Mondon Jr.: The pair of rookies got shredded over the middle by Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson, who hauled in six passes for 62 yards and two TDs.

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Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X at @the_defranc.