Eagles Coach Praises McKee: 'Extremely Smart!'

During the Philadelphia Eagles' first two preseason games, they have taken their initial look at their most recent draft class, and certain rookies have begun to make an impression.

Among the group of rookies who have shown promise in the preseason, quarterback Tanner McKee stands out. The Stanford product played a crucial role in the Eagles' 18-18 tie against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night. He was instrumental in overcoming an 18-10 fourth-quarter deficit by throwing a 22-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brady Russell. He then connected with receiver Johnny King on the two-point conversion to tie the game.

The remarkable poise shown by the rookie on Thursday was highly impressive and drew the attention of Eagles' offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, who praised the quarterback's ability to read the game effectively.

"Tanner, I think the biggest thing with him is obviously he’s extremely smart," Johnson said. "He’s poised. He has a very, very natural feel. The one thing I think in particular with his game is he has really, really clean eyes. He plays with his eyes out in front. He can see stuff. He just has a great feeling and sense of timing and anticipation."

Although the sixth-round pick is expected to receive minimal game action during the regular season, unless there are significant injuries to both Jalen Hurts and Marcus Mariota, he will have another opportunity to play on Aug. 24 as the Eagles prepare to host former offensive coordinator Shane Steichen and the Indianapolis Colts at Lincoln Financial Field.