Eagles' Jalyx Hunt shines at July 2025 camp, drawing praise and 'sacking' Jalen Hurts. But can the rising star meet DC Vic Fangio's demanding standards?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Day two of Eagles training camp is in the books, and the buzz around NovaCare is undeniable. Second-year edge rusher Jalyx Hunt is quickly becoming the story of the summer, a whirlwind of speed and power who has teammates reaching for the highest possible praise. From getting a 'sack' on Jalen Hurts on day one to forcing him out of the pocket again today, Hunt is playing like a man possessed. But just as the hype reached a fever pitch, new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio stepped to the podium with a dose of veteran caution, setting the stage for a fascinating dynamic between explosive potential and disciplined development.
Right now, we have accomplished nothing. We are zero and zero, and we're here to work.
You know the hype is real when your teammates are the ones fanning the flames. Jordan Mailata compared Jalyx Hunt to Micah Parsons, and a giddy Nolan Smith called him 'the best thing since sliced bread.' After two days of getting consistent first-team reps, Hunt is backing it up. But this isn't the Wild West; this is Vic Fangio's defense. In his first presser of camp, the veteran DC was quick to temper the excitement. While acknowledging Hunt's talent, Fangio emphasized that two practices in shorts don't make a career. His message was clear: the hype is nice, but the real work is just beginning. It's a classic push-and-pull that will define Hunt's development this season.
While Hunt dominated the practice field, a different kind of story unfolded on the sideline. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter, still out with a shoulder injury, wasn't just observing—he was coaching. Carter was a vocal presence, shouting encouragement and instructions to his fellow defensive linemen, stepping into a leadership role that fans have been hoping to see. It’s a massive sign of maturity for the second-year star. His on-field presence is missed, but seeing him embrace this new responsibility while sidelined is a huge win for the team's culture.
Carter's sideline coaching is a silver lining on a concerning cloud of injuries. The report on Thursday was a carbon copy of Wednesday's: Carter (shoulder) and guard Kenyon Green (knee) remained out, while linebacker Jihaad Campbell (shoulder) and center Cam Jurgens (back) were limited. With Nakobe Dean still on the PUP list, the defense is relying on its depth. The good news is that the linebacker group of Devin Baun, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., and the returning Campbell is showing impressive energy. Meanwhile, rookie Cooper DeJean is taking advantage of the reps, showcasing the versatility that made him a top draft pick. He's embracing the opportunity, focusing on mastering the playbook and his special teams role, proving he's ready to contribute wherever needed.
If you're looking for the mantra of this 2025 camp, look no further than guard Landon Dickerson. Speaking to the media, he drew a firm line in the sand. 'The 2024 Eagles are in the history books,' Dickerson stated, emphasizing that last year's collapse is irrelevant to the task at hand. His message, echoed by teammates like Dallas Goedert and Jordan Davis, is one of a complete reset. Dickerson, who confirmed he's feeling healthy after dealing with knee and wrist issues, is embodying the blue-collar identity this team wants to reclaim. It's not about what they did, good or bad; it's about what they're about to do.
Just two days into camp, the storylines are already rich. The immediate focus will be on the injury report—getting foundational pieces like Carter, Jurgens, and Dean back on the field is paramount. But the bigger picture is tantalizing. Can Jalyx Hunt sustain this meteoric start? How will Vic Fangio's disciplined approach mold this talented but young defense? And will the 'zero and zero' mentality exorcise the demons of last season? The pads aren't even on yet, but the 2025 Eagles are already giving us plenty to watch.
