Eagles rookie Andre Dillard flashing upside at training camp

Philadelphia Eagles first-round pick Andre Dillard is starting to gain momentum at training camp practices.

The Philadelphia Eagles are one of the best teams in the NFL for a reason. General manager Howie Roseman has built the roster the right way; he’s invested in the most important positions even when established veterans are already in place.

Take the 2019 NFL Draft, for example. The Eagles selected offensive tackle Andre Dillard in the first round despite already having Jason Peters and Lane Johnson entrenched as starters. Peters (37) is more than likely entering the final season of his career, but some GMs may have gone in another direction because of a win-now mentality.

Dillard, however, was the right pick. It’s really, really difficult to find a competent starting tackle and when one presents itself, even if it’s not a glaring position of need, you take him.

Barring injury, Dillard won’t start in 2019. He’ll use the season to learn the pro game and physically adapt to its demands. But even with his reserve status, he’s beginning to flash his longterm upside at training camp.

According to ESPN’s Tim McManus, Dillard had an impressive performance during Monday’s practice.

“Good rep from rookie Andre Dillard during pass-rush one-on-ones,” McManus tweeted, “squaring up and denying Vinny Curry. Solid so far. Jason Peters is teaching Dillard the ropes even though he’s Peters’ eventual replacement.”

Dillard’s transition to the NFL will be an interesting one to monitor. He comes from a Washington State program that didn’t ask its offensive linemen to do much run blocking, and the quick-hitting approach to their passing game also created questions about Dillard’s ability to maintain a clean pocket in a pro-style offense.

We probably won’t know the kind of player Dillard is until 2020 when Roseman and the Eagles reap the reward of a 2019 first-round pick well spent.