Eagles Add a CB

Move over Eric Allen. Move over Troy Vincent. Another elite CB has joined the Philadelphia Eagles.

Trade: #Eagles have acquired CB Josiah Scott from the Jaguars in exchange for CB Jameson Houston and a 2023 sixth-round pick. pic.twitter.com/bXEPaSd3Gp

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) May 18, 2021

Some of you will say “Tommy, that’s insane hyperbole.”

Try telling me that when we’re in Canton waiting for Scott’s Hall of Fame speech.

Okay, maybe there is a little hyperbole here. Or a lot.

Scott was drafted by the Jags in the fourth round a year ago. I had him rated as a fifth round prospect so I saw ability, but also issues. I projected Scott to be a backup and STer. He didn’t do much as a rookie, playing in six games and racking up 11 tackles.

The Jaguars have a new coaching staff and decided Scott was expendable.

It is hard to know what the Eagles think of him. Scott is 5-9, 185. That’s the size you want in someone who plays the slot. He ran 4.42 at the Combine and that’s the kind of speed you want outside. Scott is a solid tackler. He’s got good ball skills and plays with good awareness. He is similar to Avonte Maddox, but not as talented.

Do not look at this as Howie Roseman thinking he’s solved the CB issue. The Eagles need CBs who can come in and compete for roster spots and playing time. Scott could compete with Maddox for the nickel spot. Or maybe Scott plays inside and Maddox then battles with rookie Zech McPhearson for the #2 outside spot.

Scott isn’t here to be the answer. He is here to compete.

The Eagles obviously liked him last spring. They had no preseason tape to study and Scott didn’t play much as a rookie. This move is based on the draft grade they had on him a year ago. The Eagles saw ability and potential. They must feel he will be a good fit in Jonathan Gannon’s defense. I look at Scott and see an overachiever type. He was a Top 80 CB coming out of high school. That’s solid, but nothing special. He earned a starting job as a freshman and started all three years at Michigan State. He’s not compelling in any way, but started on a good defense while going against elite competition. That’s not luck or an accident.

The Eagles gave up CB Jameson Houston. He had a bit more size at 5-11, 200, but didn’t show anything last year. The Eagles also gave up a sixth round pick in 2023. That’s fine value for both sides.

I have no problem with the Eagles taking a chance on a young talent. Maybe Scott turns into something. If not, you didn’t give up a whole lot to get him.

We know one thing. Scott has got to be thrilled with this move.

https://twitter.com/JosiahScott7/status/960351741521874944

Dude is an Eagles fan. That’s pretty freakin’ cool, getting to play for the team you love.

Howie is doing his job, constantly tweaking the roster to make it better. Obivously we’d love to see him find a legit good corner to pair with Darius Slay. The Eagles have some talent, but mostly question marks on the back end.

Be patient. There is time left for Howie to keep working the market, trying to find good value and CB help.

Here is Scott in action.

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