The Corner Question

The draft is a week away. Which Georgia DT might the Eagles prefer? Will they go for a WR early? Is there any chance they would take a linebacker in the first round (for the first time since 1979)?

Lots of good questions.

One situation I’m interested in is cornerback. The Eagles have an outstanding starter in Darius Slay. Avonte Maddox seemed to find a home in the slot last year. The other starter was Steve Nelson, but he just left in free agency. You can argue the Eagles should aggressively target a corner in the draft.

That isn’t a lock, though.

The Eagles seemed to be prepared for Zech McPhearson to start last year. They were not in a rush to sign anyone with a clear hole in the lineup and less certainty in Slay and Maddox. We know the coaching staff is willing to give young players a chance to play.

McPhearson now has a year under his belt, even if he didn’t play a ton. He’s in better position to start this year. The team added Tay Gowan last year and he could also compete for a starting job.

Are these guys good enough? Shouldn’t the Eagles add a stud corner if possible?

This is where I’m curious. Defensive Coordinator Jonathan Gannon had his corners play off receivers most of last year. Did he do that because his personnel wasn’t good enough or is that his preference?

If Gannon wants to have his corners play off, there isn’t a need to spend a first round pick on one. That would be a mis-use of resources. I’m hoping Gannon is going to be more aggressive this year. If so, then CB can be an early target. There is also the fact that Darius Slay isn’t getting any younger. Draft a corner now so he can develop for a year or two and you don’t have to rush him into the lineup.

There are a few mid-round corners I like this year so part of me would rather the Eagles wait a couple of rounds before going for a corner.

Cam Taylor-Britt
Alontae Taylor
Damarri Mathis
Joshua Williams
Zyon McCollum
Akayleb Evans

They will have options outside the first two rounds.

The Eagles could still add a veteran. We know they talked to Stephon Gilmore before he signed with the Colts. Last year they signed Nelson on July 25th. Depending on how things shake out in the draft, the Eagles could still check out whoever is left on the free agent market.

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JJ Arcega-Whiteside is moving from receiver to tight end, according to an NFL source.

With the #Eagles’ offseason program set to begin Monday, the former second rounder has embraced the transition to a new position.

My story: https://t.co/MxcUzYmKnZ

— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) April 21, 2022

I think this is good news. The more I looked at the roster, the more TE stood out as a need. JJAW moving there doesn’t change it drastically, but he does add a player with some potential to the mix.

JJAW has struggled at receiver. Compared to him, Jalen Reagor looks like Jerry Rice. In a word…yikes.

But JJAW has developed into a good blocker. He does play hard. Moving him to TE gives him a chance to compete for a roster spot and possibly contribute in 2022. He wasn’t going to make the roster at WR unless aliens came and abducted everyone in the state of Pennsylvania who can catch a pass.

This move gives him a chance and might help the team.

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The Eagles will almost certainly add a TE in the draft or as a priority free agent. One player I like to go later in the draft is Jake Ferguson from Wisconsin.

There is nothing special about Ferguson, but he’s solid all around. Ferguson is 6-5, 250. He can catch, run and block. He has good RAC ability. Ferguson should go in the fourth or fifth round.

The Eagles like Jack Stoll, but he didn’t show much as a receiver last year. Stoll caught 61 passes in his college career so he’s never been overly productive. Ferguson caught 145 passes in his career at Wisconsin and then looked good at the Senior Bowl. He could be a good backup TE.

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