True fact: the Eagles defense allowed the 13th fewest passing yards in 2016. They also allowed the 12th fewest points; which breaks down to ten rushing touchdowns, one return touchdown, and 28 field goals. By most standards, that’s pretty impressive.
So what’s the issue with the Eagles defense? One little stat that was left out: in addition to the above-mentioned stats, the Eagles allowed a whopping 25 passing touchdowns. How exactly does a secondary allow only the 13th fewest passing yards, yet nearly allow the most passing touchdowns in the league? Simple: x-plays.
Jim Schwartz’s game plan, an exceptionally solid safety duo, and a great defensive line generally masked the problems with the Eagles cornerbacks. However, that protective shield could only go so far. The Philadelphia Eagles cornerbacks were a combination of inexperience, poor scheme fit, and put bluntly, a lack of talent.
The Eagles defense could limit passing yards by a combined effort from the front seven and the secondary, but any time the defense needed the corners to step up, they failed. Missed tackles, lack of speed, and dropped coverages became synonymous with the Eagles’ corners. This begs the question, how do the Eagles cornerbacks look in 2017 then?
The State of the Philadelphia Eagles Cornerbacks
Current Cornerbacks on the Roster
- Ron Brooks
- Rasul Douglas (Rookie)
- Dwayne Gratz
- Aaron Grymes
- Sidney Jones (2017 2nd round pick)
- Jalen Mills
- Patrick Robinson (From Indianapolis Colts)
- C.J. Smith
Philadelphia knew they had a problem going into this off-season, and they addressed it. First, they cut Leodis McKelvin and allowed Nolan Carroll to walk. Neither were particularly great last year. Philly then added Patrick Robinson from the Colts – a signing that didn’t exactly turn heads but offers potential. Robinson has had success in the NFL before. At the very least, he’s a veteran signee that can mentor the Eagles’ newest additions.
Which brings up the new names: Sidney Jones was arguably the best cornerback coming out of the 2017 NFL Draft – until he suffered a significant knee injury that weakened his draft stock. The Eagles took a chance on him with their second-round pick. Jones won’t be ready to play until sometime during the season, meaning he’ll miss valuable off-season work, but he has the potential to be an immediate starter. Philadelphia also drafted Rasul Douglas, a third-round pick who has nearly been perfect in OTAs so far.
Overall, the Eagles are much younger at cornerback than they were in January. But the potential is much higher.
2017 Depth Chart and Outlook
- Outside: Rasul Douglas, Patrick Robinson
- Slot: Jalen Mills
A key problem with 2016’s Eagles secondary was that Malcolm Jenkins had to abandon his position as a potent safety to fill the slot corner role. Adding outside talent allows Jenkins to return to his more natural fit, meaning that the Eagles have already improved in one respect.
Still, those expecting a complete 180 in terms of production should temper their hopes. Sidney Jones isn’t likely to take a practice rep until September or October. And one only needs to look at the 2016 Carolina Panthers to see how starting rookie corners on both sides can go. Cornerback is one of the hardest positions in the NFL to learn; especially in the NFC East, where Odell Beckham, Brandon Marshall, Dez Bryant, and Terrelle Pryor reside.
That’s not to say the Eagles’ corner situation will be worse in 2017, simply that it may take time to see the rewards of this past draft. Ultimately, the Philadelphia Eagles cornerbacks are an improved group.
At worst, the Eagles have a solid core of young players that can be molded into an effective unit in the coming seasons. At best, these Philadelphia Eagles cornerbacks could surprise the NFL with a great rookie year.
