In less than one week, Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp will be in action. Players report to the NovaCare Complex on Tuesday, July 22, with the first official practice coming that Wednesday.
As part of our Training Camp preview series, today we will focus on Philadelphia's cornerback room.
Did You Know?
Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell ranked first and second, respectively, in yards allowed per coverage snap among rookies in 2024, per Pro Football Focus.
Returning Starters
The Eagles spent their first two picks last season on cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, and they each made an immediate impact on Philadelphia's road to its second Super Bowl title.
Mitchell was a full-time starter on the left side where he was a lockdown player throughout the season. He saved his best play for the postseason, registering two key takeaways and four passes defended.
DeJean entered the lineup following Philadelphia's Week 5 bye, and his presence playing in the slot helped transform the Eagles' defense. DeJean continued his strong play in the postseason, capping his rookie year with an iconic pick-six off Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl.
The Eagles have two young, blue-chip cornerbacks, but they lost Darius "Big Play" Slay (Steelers) and Isaiah Rodgers (Vikings) in Free Agency, leaving snaps up for grabs in the secondary.
In the Mix
Third-year players Keele Ringo and Eli Ricks are returners from the 53-man roster. Ringo, who just turned 23, could replace Slay as a full-time starter on the outside. He has played in every game since the Eagles drafted him in the fourth round and will have a big opportunity during Training Camp to entrench himself in the lineup.
Ricks, Tariq Castro-Fields, Parry Nickerson, and A.J. Woods were all in Philadelphia last season and will compete for roles during the summer.
New to the Nest
The Eagles added veteran Adoree' Jackson this offseason and drafted Mac McWilliams in the fifth round. Brandon Johnson and B.J. Mayes are also new additions after signing as undrafted free agents.
Jackson spent his first four seasons with the Tennessee Titans before playing his next four with the New York Giants. Jackson has 82 career starts in the NFL and gives Philadelphia strong depth and a player who can compete for an open spot.
McWilliams was a five-year college player, finishing his career at the University of Central Florida. He started 36 college games and registered 24 passes defended and 131 tackles.
Bird Call
"Nothing has really changed for me. Taking it one rep at a time and one day at a time. I know it's always going to be a challenge, but definitely, it helps having gone through things last year and having some success as a team and continuing to work in that direction and for that. Whatever I can do to help the team win, I'm going to do that." – Quinyon Mitchell
Storylines to Follow
Can Keele Ringo establish himself as the replacement for Darius Slay? ... What will Mac McWilliams' role be as a rookie? ... Can Adoree' Jackson push for a starting spot? ... What will Cooper DeJean's usage look like?
How Many Made the Initial 53 in 2024? 8
– Written by Matt Ryan
