The Eagles are in need of a No. 2 cornerback, but that shouldn't overlook the fact they have a pretty good No. 1 ready to go for the 2021 season.
Darius Slay has been voted the No. 9 cornerback in the NFL in a recent ESPN survey of NFL executives, coaches and players, an impressive finish, although it is a dip from last year when he finished No. 4.
Here is a sample of what the coaches had to say about Slay, per the ESPN article:
"Philly didn't exactly help him last year," an AFC scout said. "They put him on an island and he probably didn't have enough support."
"When he's high-motor, he's dangerous," an NFC coach said. "When something goes wrong or if he's in a funk, he can be a liability."
Slay had a bit of an up-and-down season last year for the Eagles, so it isn't surprising he missed out on the top five, but it does make sense he finished in the top 10.
Slay was extremely impressive most of the season, shutting down the receiver he was tasked with following and covering each week. Slay allowed fewer than 50 yards receiving in 11 of his 15 starts, and gave up a total of three touchdowns in 517 coverages snaps.
He did, however, struggle in matchups against elite receivers like D.K. Metcalf and Davanta Adams. Slay, per Pro Football Focus, allowed a combined 269 yards and three touchdowns to the duo. You could argue those are exactly the kind of games the Eagles needed Slay for, but considering how the league rules are set up to help the offense, it is nearly impossible for any cornerback to cover an elite receiver all game in man coverage with no help and not give up big plays.
One area the Eagle would almost certainly like to see an improvement from Slay in next season is in the turnover department. Howie Roseman praised Slay's ability to create turnovers when they traded for him, but the veteran cornerback finished with just one interception last season — his lower total since his rookie season.
Still, if the Eagle could guarantee the same kind of season from Slay in 2021 that they got in 2020 they would probably take it. If they can add a legitimate No. 2 cornerback (like Steven Nelson) the cornerback position could actually end up being a strength.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
