It should come as no surprise that Dallas Goedert and Avonte Maddox arrived at the NovaCare Complex together just after 10:30 Wednesday morning to report for Training Camp.
The first two players selected by the Eagles in the 2018 NFL Draft, Goedert and Maddox bonded and became close friends during their rookie season. Both players had successful first years in the league.
Goedert played in all 16 games (eight starts) and posted 33 receptions for 334 yards and four touchdowns as the backup tight end to Zach Ertz. He added another two catches for 20 yards and a touchdown in the playoffs. Head coach Doug Pederson cited the tight end as one of the most improved players on offense this spring.
Maddox was a Swiss army knife for the defense, playing 13 games (nine starts) at safety, slot corner, and outside corner. He finished the year with 50 tackles, seven pass deflections, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. Maddox is right in the thick of what will be an intense battle in the secondary this summer.
As they kick off their second Training Camp with the Eagles, Goedert and Maddox offered some advice for the rookies who are getting their first taste of the daily grind.
1. There is a light at the end of the tunnel
Thursday marks the team's first Training Camp practice. The Eagles will also be two weeks away from their first preseason game, August 8 at home against Tennessee. Over that span, the Eagles will have 11 days of practice with just two days off.
The challenge is as mental as much as it is physical for the rookies.
"Come to work every day," Goedert said. "Know that it's going to be long, but you'll get through it."
"Take it one day at a time," Maddox said. "Make sure you take care of your body while you're in there."
2. Ask questions
In the past, some young players were advised not to be heard. That isn't the case in Philadelphia.
"You definitely have to ask questions to learn the game," Goedert said. "You might see it different than a coach or a different player sees it. It's just the way you learn. Some people need to ask more questions. Some people learn from being in the back. But I think asking questions is a big part of it."
"There was never a time when it was like, 'No, I'm not telling you or anything like that.' They're (the veterans) always willing to help you, so that's why I say ask questions," Maddox said.
3. Don't go at it alone
There are five draft picks and 11 rookie free agents on the current roster who are all going through an NFL Training Camp for the first time. Make sure to find a support system, whether it's other first-year players or veterans to help with the transition.
"I think it helped us being able to spend time together, not be alone," Goedert said. "Get our mind off football and do other things like play Fortnite and things like that. I think it was big."
Before the duo headed inside to undergo physicals and attend meetings, Goedert and Maddox were asked their favorite memory from last year's Training Camp. Well, we're 46 days away from this year's rendition.
"Probably when it (Training Camp) ended and we got to go into that first regular-season game," Goedert said.
