PHILADELPHIA — If you have a dog that needs a sitter, defensive tackle Jordan Davis can fill that role.
Want restaurant recommendations? Where to get new threads? Davis and linebacker Nakobe Dean are here to help.
If you’re a hype man in the market, look no further than linebacker Nolan Smith.
All this and more from former University of Georgia powerhouse-turned-Philadelphia Eagles sophomore players Dean and Davis, rookies Smith, Jalen Carter and Kelly Ringo, and former Detroit Lions running back D’Andre Ringo. Swift. It’s part of a support system that encourages Dean and Davis to take the next step in their careers, while also easing the adjustment process for newcomers.
“It’s like having a group of best friends,” Davis said.
“We do everything together. When we’re not together, we always talk to each other and make sure everyone’s straight and make sure everyone gets home safe. It’s that little bit of security. .At the end of the day, soccer is soccer, but we value: [each other] At a deeper level. That’s my brother. ”
The Eagles made history by becoming the first team in the common draft era to draft five defensive players from the same school in two years, poaching top players from one of the most potent defenses in NCAA history.
Davis and Dean, the Eagles’ No. 1 picks in the first and third rounds of the 2022 draft, are passing on the knowledge they’ve gained over the past year to the rest of the group.
“We know a little bit about how to work, how to get around the city, the facility, etc. If you have any questions, feel free to ask,” Dean said. “And of course we’re friends and we’re all cool and we’re Dawgs, so we’re there all day, texting back and forth.”
Just this week, Davis was shopping for clothes in Delaware when she hit up a text chain to let her know she’d found a good place. They go to each other’s places to watch fights, UFC matches, or just when they need a change of pace. they go out to eat together. And while Davis, Carter and Smith are all dog owners, and no, none of them own bulldogs, Davis carries on the dog-sitter connection.
Smith said Dean is her best friend from college and she leans on him as he learns the ropes in the conference room. One reason the Eagles felt comfortable using Carter’s first-round pick in April’s draft due to off-the-field concerns is that the Eagles have not only a former Georgia teammate, but also a proven veteran. This is because there was a unique locker room that included many.
It’s not just newcomers who will benefit. Longtime defensive end Brandon Graham noted that Davis’ comfort level has improved tremendously since the addition of Carter, Smith and Ringo, which has had a positive impact on his play. Davis (aka JD) made waves early in camp. He’s improved by all standards and is working with first-team defensive tackle Fletcher Cox.
“The only time I really dance in my life is when I’m around JD,” said Smith, who serves as the group’s source of motivation and energy. “Because I know it turns guys on, and when you let guys’ guard down, they’re going to get harder on you. In JD’s case, his battery is ‘E ‘And I know he’ll give it to me if I go to him and say, ‘Come on, JD baby, we need you.’ If so, then notch further. ”
“That’s good for me,” Davis said after a session with the media, saying he plans to do more work with Carter, “because I don’t want to be the underdog in the group.” We hold ourselves to higher standards. We want to see each other excel. ”
Dean is stepping into the Mike’s starting linebacker role after playing almost exclusively on special teams last season. While there are questions from the outside about what the defense will look like with Dean at the helm, those questions don’t exist within the Georgia fraternity.
“He was the signal caller. [at Georgia] For 3 consecutive years.I know how hard it is to coach. [Kirby] Smart has been good to him and I know what he expects of himself. … And he’s an engineering major, so if you think his brain is worried about things like this, it’s not,” Smith said. I follow you every day, that’s Nakobe for me. ”
The Eagles made significant changes on defense this offseason, with five starters from the 2022 team leaving in free agency. Dean and Davis are likely starters, with Smith and Carter expected to join the pass-rushing rotation immediately. Ringo will start as a backup in a cornerback room that features Darius Slay and James Bradberry. Meanwhile, Swift is in contention for the main role at running back following the departure of Miles Sanders.
It remains to be seen how they will handle these roles, but the presence of their fellow Bulldogs puts them in a good frame of mind at the beginning of the season.
“They all inspire each other,” Graham said.