Cornerback skyrocketed toward the top of the 2024 NFL Draft needs for the Philadelphia Eagles throughout the offseason. They’ll get their first crack at addressing the position on Thursday.
However, one significant move made by the NFL may have thrown a curveball toward those potential plans. That and more in today’s Eagles news!
Philadelphia Eagles News Today
Isaiah Rodgers Reinstated, Raises Questions on Eagles’ Cornerback Plans
Isaiah Rodgers will have his long-awaited Eagles debut.
Once a 2023 signing, Rodgers was suspended for a violation of the league’s gambling policy with the Indianapolis Colts. The league made the decision Tuesday to reinstate him, which prompted this reaction from him on X (formerly known as Twitter):
https://t.co/IbOKO7bjwg pic.twitter.com/C5sECvlfdL
— Isaiah Rodgers Sr. (@rodgers_isaiah) April 23, 2024
Before the suspension, Rodgers was lauded for his coverage skills. The Eagles rolled without him throughout the 2023 season and wound up struggling — ranking 31st in both passing yards allowed and touchdown passes.
Does Rodgers’ reinstatement rule out Philadelphia pursuing a CB at No. 22 come Thursday? Pro Football Network’s Nick Faria examined the Eagles’ secondary and drew this conclusion.
“To say Philadelphia’s cornerback room has become crowded would be an understatement,” Faria began. “Aging veterans like James Bradberry and Darius Slay paired with young players like Josh Jobe, Kelee Ringo, Eli Ricks, and Rodgers all make up the outside cornerback depth chart, and that’s not even counting slot cornerback Avonte Maddox.”
There’s more to the Eagles’ cornerback room as Faria notes.
“With Bradberry and Slay both under major deals, it would appear that Rodgers would need to win the roster battle spot outright over the organization’s other young talents. While Jobe and Ricks are undrafted players, the Eagles spent a fourth-round pick on Ringo — a sign that the organization values him to a point,” Faria said.
Faria believes that the Eagles are better off addressing the secondary through a slot CB/safety type. He picks Cooper DeJean of Iowa as the better overall fit ahead of the first round of the NFL Draft.
KEEP READING: How Does Rodgers’ Reinstatement Affect Eagles’ Plans?
Eagles Add to Secondary After Trading Down in Mock Draft
While Faria believes the versatile Hawkeyes star is perfect for Philly, is he the newest top target for them?
Pro Football Network’s Will Helms on Tuesday drew up this new scenario: Philadelphia trades down in a deal with the Buffalo Bills.
In this proposal, the AFC East champs acquire the Eagles’ No. 22 pick while Philadelphia moves down to 28th and adds Buffalo’s No. 60 selection. The Bills use this move to grab Brian Thomas Jr. at wide receiver.
For the Eagles, do they roll with Faria’s suggestion of Dejean or turn elsewhere? Helms has Philly adding Alabama corner Kool-Aid McKinstry on Day 1.
“It feels like Kool-Aid McKinstry is slipping a bit in mocks, perhaps because a few of the other corners have had more splashy offseasons and careers. In terms of pure ability, though, McKinstry is at or near the top of the board. He was solid in college and opposing quarterbacks simply didn’t throw his way very often,” Helms said.
CONTINUE READING: Will Helms’ Recent NFL Mock Draft
‘Strange Fit’ Linked to Eagles Ahead of Draft, Insider Says
Not everyone is convinced the Eagles are completely fixated on fixing the secondary ahead of the draft. Two insiders are learning otherwise.
Pro Football Network NFL Insider Adam Caplan projected UCLA EDGE standout Laiatu Latu landing at No. 22 in his Monday Mock Draft. Caplan revealed Philly hosted the high-profile pass rusher recently.
“We’re told the Philadelphia Eagles have done their share of work on Laiatu Latu (including a recent pre-draft visit), who likely would have gone off the board near the top 10 had he not had a medical concern (neck),” Caplan wrote.
Latu would become an immediate replacement for All-Pro Haason Reddick, who was traded to the New York Jets a month before the draft. However, one other insider is learning Philly is linked to a “strange fit” as a possibility for selection No. 22.
Sports Illustrated league insider Albert Breer has learned that a not-thought-of position has been “consistently assigned” to Philly at its first-round spot: offensive tackle.
“The position I’ve heard most consistently assigned to the Eagles is offensive tackle. It might seem a little strange, given the team’s needs on defense (and in the secondary in particular), but GM Howie Roseman’s always prioritized the lines and worked to get ahead of potential holes, so finding the eventual replacement for Lane Johnson—who’s entering his 12th year—is in play,” Breer wrote.
The offensive line is a need for Philadelphia. Although many believe it’s center, not tackle, the Eagles will prioritize following the retirement of franchise legend and Super Bowl champion Jason Kelce.
However, it’s not guaranteed Philadelphia will turn to the “strange” fit at 22nd overall.
“With the group of tackles in this year’s class so highly regarded, though, it’s unclear whether the right one for Philly makes it to 22,” Breer said.
READ MORE: Adam Caplan’s NFL Mock Draft
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