Jim Schwartz: 'Very encouraged' by LB Nate Gerry
Gerry has impressed Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
Nate Gerry is certainly looking like a fifth-round steal for the Philadelphia Eagles...at least in the eyes of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
Gerry has been one of the impressive rookies through the first two weeks of training camp. A converted safety from Nebraska, Gerry has adapted well to his new position at linebacker.
"Very encouraged," Schwartz said regarding Gerry. "He’s responded to every challenge we've put in front of him. When we've had some of those live contact practices is when he's showed up the most, and I think there is some football player, in quotation marks, to him."
Gerry was one of the top playmaking safeties in the Big Ten, having 13 interceptions over the last three years for the Cornhuskers. While Gerry has still been strong in coverage, Schwartz has found ways to move him up the depth chart based on his ability to adapt to his new role at linebacker.
First-team reps have been coming for Gerry, which are a result of his physicality in practice.
"He's played very tough, very physical," Schwartz said. "You don't get very many live periods in practice, but when it has, he's showed up. He's been assignment sound, and it's going to be a big preseason for him to continue to show that progress. I've been very encouraged by him."
The Eagles will give Gerry an extended look in the preseason at the SAM and WILL linebacker positions. His progress during camp has been one of the surprises of the past two weeks.
Being a Schwartz favorite may have locked Gerry's 53-man roster spot.
http://phi.247sports.com/Bolt/Jim-Schwartz-Very-encouraged-by-LB-Nate-Gerry-105843910
Gerry has impressed Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
Nate Gerry is certainly looking like a fifth-round steal for the Philadelphia Eagles...at least in the eyes of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
Gerry has been one of the impressive rookies through the first two weeks of training camp. A converted safety from Nebraska, Gerry has adapted well to his new position at linebacker.
"Very encouraged," Schwartz said regarding Gerry. "He’s responded to every challenge we've put in front of him. When we've had some of those live contact practices is when he's showed up the most, and I think there is some football player, in quotation marks, to him."
Gerry was one of the top playmaking safeties in the Big Ten, having 13 interceptions over the last three years for the Cornhuskers. While Gerry has still been strong in coverage, Schwartz has found ways to move him up the depth chart based on his ability to adapt to his new role at linebacker.
First-team reps have been coming for Gerry, which are a result of his physicality in practice.
"He's played very tough, very physical," Schwartz said. "You don't get very many live periods in practice, but when it has, he's showed up. He's been assignment sound, and it's going to be a big preseason for him to continue to show that progress. I've been very encouraged by him."
The Eagles will give Gerry an extended look in the preseason at the SAM and WILL linebacker positions. His progress during camp has been one of the surprises of the past two weeks.
Being a Schwartz favorite may have locked Gerry's 53-man roster spot.
http://phi.247sports.com/Bolt/Jim-Schwartz-Very-encouraged-by-LB-Nate-Gerry-105843910