Vic Fangio has spent training camp challenging the Philadelphia Eagles’ young defenders while gauging whether they are prepared to take on larger roles. Drew Mukuba and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. appear to be giving the defensive coordinator the progress he wanted. Fangio said both players have improved, offering particularly strong praise for Trotter.
“Best I’ve seen him,” Fangio said.
That assessment carries weight from a coordinator who generally avoids excessive public praise. Trotter has produced an impressive opening stretch of camp, making instinctive plays against the run while showing improvement in coverage. During one practice, he recognized a pass to Saquon Barkley, closed quickly and broke up what initially appeared capable of becoming
a touchdown. The third-year linebacker has received first-team opportunities next to Zack Baun when Jihaad Campbell has been unavailable. Trotter remains positioned as a reserve when the projected starters are healthy. Still, his development could give Fangio another dependable option in a linebacker room that lost Nakobe Dean during the offseason.
Mukuba’s progress is equally important. The second-year safety is expected to hold one of Philadelphia’s starting jobs after beginning his rookie season in the lineup. An ankle injury interrupted his development, but his movement and confidence have improved during his second training camp.
Mukuba’s presence allows Fangio to build the rest of the secondary around its versatility. Cooper DeJean can play next to him at safety in base personnel before moving into the slot in nickel packages. Marcus Epps and Michael Carter II are among the players competing to fill Mukuba's spot when DeJean changes positions.
Training-camp praise does not settle either player’s role, but it provides an encouraging indication. The Eagles need Mukuba to stabilize the back end and Trotter to provide reliable linebacker depth.
Fangio believes both are moving in the right direction, and Trotter may be playing the best football the veteran coordinator has seen from him.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Jeremiah Trotter Jr. earns strongest praise yet from Vic Fangio
