Top draft evaluator sees value in Eagles’ taking CB in 1st round originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Eagles haven’t drafted a cornerback in the first round since they took Lito Sheppard out of Florida with the 26th pick in 2002.
This could be the year to do it.
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, a former Eagles scout, said on a national conference call Thursday that he sees value for the Eagles going in that direction with the No. 22 pick in the 2024 draft.
“I think it’s worth it,” Jeremiah said. “I think it’s a good group of corners. I think I have about 14, 15 with that top three round grade range there, which is a good number. I think there are guys worthy of picking there. And once you get through that top group, that second-, third-round range, a good number of those guys are going to be nickels.
“In terms of guys who can play outside with the versatility to play inside, I think there will be options for them there where they’re picking.”
The Eagles will bring back Slay for the 2024 season but after that, the cornerback position is a bit of a mystery. James Bradberry is under contract but after a really tough 2023 season, the Eagles might move on. There were some encouraging signs from rookies Kelee Ringo and Eli Ricks but it’s tough to tell what they are.
And, either way, Slay is 33 now and it’s time to think about getting younger at corner.
In his latest first-round mock draft, Jeremiah had the Eagles’ selecting Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., whom Jeremiah said is his No. 3 cornerback in this year’s class.
Here’s a look at where the corners went in Jeremiah’s latest mock:
13. Raiders: Terrion Arnold, Alabama
15. Colts: Nate Wiggins, Clemson
17. Jaguars: Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
22. Eagles: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri
25. Packers: Cooper DeJean, Iowa
After a season-ending injury as a sophomore in 2021, Rakestraw (6-0, 188) was a full-time starter in 2022 and 2023. While he tallied just one interception in his college…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/top-draft-evaluator-sees-value-120000190.html
Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia
Publish date : 2024-02-23 12:00:00
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