The Eagles made a trade last week sending Thomas Booker to the Raiders for CB Jakorian Bennett, and the newest addition didn’t get to play in the team’s first preseason game, but did suit up for his first practice in Philly on Saturday. Bennett spoke to reporters afterward, and talked about the trade and how it feels to be with the Eagles organization.
“I’m a guy that’s going to do my job. I’m gonna play hard, and I’m just going to prepare the right way. And whatever the coach need me to do, I’m gonna do it to the best of my ability, and they going to get a dog.”
Here’s what he had to say:
On being traded
He talked about how quick everything happened — he learned about the trade in the evening and was on a red-eye flight to Philly just six hours later. But, he’s excited to be with the Eagles and looks forward to competing. Bennett said he wasn’t necessarily expecting to be traded by the Raiders, but did feel as though he was on the outside looking in.
As for his first impressions on the Eagles:
“It’s great. It’s been like, great culture, great guys. Everybody knows everybody. Everybody’s cool with each other, and they just want the best for each other. So, that’s a blessing. So, that’s good. I just want to come in and just do my part, whatever that is, and just help the team win some more games.”
On last season’s ups and downs
Bennett started to develop early in the 2024 season, but then started playing through pain before ultimately being sidelined with a shoulder injury. He explained that he approached this offseason just like any other, and worked his way back. The CB was feeling good physically, mentally, and emotionally before his injury and is now just trying to build off that.
He also noted that the shoulder is, “Better than ever.”
On learning the Eagles’ defense
Bennett isn’t worried about learning the new defense, and said he’s someone who loves to prepare, so he’s going to make sure that he studies the right way to catch up to the other guys. He explained some things are universal in football, and most of it will be learning the language and schemes, but technique shouldn’t change much.
He also talked about being confident that he can compete for a starting spot, and is just going to be himself and put in the work to show what he can do.
Other notables
- Bennett and Kelee Ringo were in the same draft class, so they’re familiar with each other and have kept in touch the past few years. He also noted Ringo has helped him with the playbook, calling Ringo a, “Good dude.”
- The CB also recalled his pre-draft meeting with the Eagles, saying it went really well and it felt like a great fit at the time. He noted the Eagles are a great organization and he’s glad to be in Philly.
- He’s appreciative to have DB coach Christian Parker in his corner, saying Parker is one of the smartest coaches he’s been around. Bennett noted that Parker really teaches the basics of plays and breaks it down to Football 101 so it’s easily digestible.
