The Eagles haven't drafted a cornerback in the first round since they took Lito Shepard out of Florida with the 26th pick in 2002.
This might 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've got about 14 or 15 degrees with the first three-degree range there, which is a good number. I think there's guys worth picking there. Once we get past that first group, the second- and third-round range, it's going to be a lot of These guys are nickel and dime.
“In terms of players who can play abroad with the versatility of playing inside, I think there will be options for them where they choose.”
The Eagles will bring Slay back for the 2024 season but after that, the cornerback position becomes a bit of a mystery. James Bradberry is under contract but after a really tough 2023 season, the Eagles may be moving on. There have been some encouraging signs from rookies Kelly Ringo and Ellie Ricks but it's hard to know what they are.
Either way, Sly is 33 years old now and it's time to think about getting younger in the corner.
in Latest first round mock draftJeremiah has the Eagles selecting Missouri cornerback Ennis Rackstraw Jr., who Jeremiah said is the No. 3 cornerback in this year's class.
Here's a look at where the angles went in Jeremiah's latest simulation:
13. Raiders: Tyrion Arnold, Alabama
15. Colts: Nate Wiggins, Clemson
17. Jaguars: Quinnyon Mitchell, Toledo
22. Eagles: Ennis Raxestro 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 recorded just one interception in his college career, Rakestraw broke up 24 passes. Jeremiah sure loves matching up with the Eagles.
“[Rakestraw] Kind of has some Darius slay for him. “Kind of a similar build to Slay,” Jeremiah said. “Really, really tough, feisty, can pressure you. He plays with a lot of energy, which I like. I think they'll get a kick out of that in Philly. Just an emotional, energetic guy. But very fast, very tough.”
Jeremiah said Mitchell would be a good pick for the Eagles but expects Toledo to be an off-ball prospect based on his performance and tape in the Senior Bowl. Mitchell will likely have a solid performance as well.
The other two angles that Jeremiah mentioned when asked about the Eagles were Wiggins and Dejean.
“Wiggins is one of the things I'm curious about and one to keep an eye on from Clemson,” Jeremiah said. “He's big and very fast. Really fluid kid. I think you'll see him kind of step up as we go through this process. Iowa State's Cooper Degen is also interesting. Those guys are kind of in that range for me.”
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