The Eagles defensive backs were a laughing stock two years back, and they were slightly better last season. However it seems as though they may be ready to finally be good. They made some nice, low profile signings like Leodis McKelvin and Aaron Grymes, both of whom can push for playing time this season. Rodney McLeod was the big acquisition this off-season and will team up with Malcolm Jenkins to form one of the best safety tandems in the NFL.
Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Backs Projection
Starting Cornerback #1
Easily the most experienced corner on the roster, Leodis McKelvin will likely win a starting spot, if not the number one spot. He was having a solid year under Jim Schwartz until he broke his ankle. Hopefully he can be healthy all year, because he can be a pretty good value signing if he can stay on the field.
Starting Cornerback #2
It may seem crazy to start a seventh round rookie but Jalen Mills has been tearing it up all off-season. He has rocketed up the depth chart, recently passing Eric Rowe.
Pederson says that Jalen Mills is ahead of Eric Rowe on the depth chart. #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) August 9, 2016
It seems like he gets one or two interceptions per practice, and even if he doesn’t start, he’ll certainly be the nickel corner. Mills is off to a fast start in Philadelphia and could end up being a draft steal.
Nickel Cornerback
Ron Brooks is apparently in the mix to start this season, but he’s better suited to play nickel. He played nickel two seasons ago for Jim Schwartz in Buffalo, and will do it again in Philadelphia. Brooks had a career-high 34 tackles under Schwartz’s guidance, and will look to improve those numbers this season. He has the hardest spot to hold as players like Eric Rowe, JaCorey Shepherd, and Nolan Carroll could all make serious runs at this spot.
Starting Safety #1
Malcolm Jenkins finally got the Pro Bowl berth he has deserved for years now. He led the team in tackles last season, finishing with 109. He came in second on the team in interceptions as well, recording two, which was one behind the the team leader Walter Thurmond. He’s primed to keep on dominating alongside the big acquisition of the off-season, Rodney McLeod, who will be taking Thurmond’s old spot.
Starting Safety #2
The most important free agent acquisition this off-season, Rodney McLeod is set to join Malcolm Jenkins to form a top five safety duo. McLeod is capable of monster hits, reminiscent of fan favorite and future Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins. One example of his hitting capabilities can be seen below.
McLeod fits perfectly not only with what the coaches want in a safety, but what the fans in Philly love in defensive players. He’ll fit in nicely.
Substitutes
Eric Rowe showed promise last season, despite his baptism by fire starting against Calvin Johnson, and he was slated for the starting job this season after Byron Maxwell was traded. He apparently hasn’t done much to catch the eyes of the new regime and would need a lot to happen for him to start. Hopefully he can get it together and contribute.
Nolan Carroll was by far the best corner on the roster last season, due mainly to inconsistency from Byron Maxwell. He provides excellent depth and experience in case of emergency, but he’s better off as a substitute this season.
JaCorey Shepherd was last season’s Jalen Mills, but tore his ACL in training camp and never got to play in any games. He has a tough road back, as the Eagles defensive backs are much deeper than they were last year. Shepherd could be in danger when the final roster cuts are announced.
Aaron Grymes could get some playing time this season, but there’s so much depth that he may just get lost in it all. He may be part of the final roster cuts.
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