With OTAs underway and training camp much close than you would think, here is a look at where things stand with the Eagles' cornerbacks after free agency and the draft.
Starters: Jalen Mills, Ronald Darby, Sidney Jones
Depth: Cre'von LeBlanc, Avonte Maddox, Rasul Douglas, Jeremiah McKinnon, Jay Liggins
Overall: There might not be a more interesting position on the Eagles' roster right now than cornerback, where they are both six-players deep, while also not having one single sure thing.
Health, draft stock and money could end up playing the biggest role in who sees the field this season.
At this point it is unclear who will be ready for training camp. Ronald Darby and Jalen Mills could be sidelined, although chances are Mills is ready and Darby isn't. Considering those were the team's two starting cornerbacks in Week 1 last year, both dealing with injuries in training camp from last season would be far from ideal.
If Darby is sidelined, it will be interesting to see who the Eagles put in his place. Avonte Maddox could be the top backup, considering how high the team is on him and how much they want to get him on the field. Maddox also played well last season on the outside when he was forced to play the position due to injury. If it isn't Maddox the Eagles could decide to put Jones back at his natural position, ending his time at nickel cornerback. The issue with that, however, is what would happen to Jones once Darby returned — because make no mistake about it, Darby will start when healthy. He would not have come back on a one-year, prove-it deal if that wasn't the case.
The issue with sliding Jones back into nickel is that there might not be a spot there for him. If Jones is on the outside in place of Darby, and Mills is on the other side, it is likely that either Maddox or LeBlanc will be at nickel. Both played better at nickel last season than Jones did. Pulling either, assuming they are playing well, is going to be tough to do. Considering the Eagles invested a second-round pick in Jones, however, it wouldn't be surprising if they did.
With so many questions, and so many factors playing into the equation, the cornerback position is going to be fascinating one to watch develop. If everything works out though, the Eagles could have a very strong group.
Grade: B
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
