An Eagles Upgraded Secondary

An Eagles Upgraded Secondary. I’m on record saying the Eagles would be silly to pass on Alabama WR DeVonta Smith if available at #6. However, with the recent hiring of Jonathan Gannon, former Colts DB Coach as the new defensive coordinator. The odds of drafting the draft’s best Cornerback, Alabama’s Patrick Surtain II, have skyrocketed.

Here is what the Eagles 2021 secondary COULD look like.

CB #1: Darius Slay
CB #2: Patrick Surtain II ** Draft
Nickel: Avonta Maddox
Safety: Malik Hooker ** Free Agency
Safety: Rodney McLeod

The Eagles are lucky to be ahead of the game to put together a shutdown secondary. Darius Slay (IMO) had a very solid season. Year one on a new team with a new defensive coordinator. Although, Slay now as another DC, Jonathan Gannon. Gannon’s experience with defensive backs will only help to remain one of the league’s top corners.

Patrick Surtain II, the top CB in the draft. Most say Elite. I’m on the fence but I agree he is the best of the 2021 class. Not to mention, he will easily slide in that CB #1 slot on a Darius Slay exit down the road.

Avonte Maddox, the Eagles just love this guy not sure why but he is here. He played Slot in college, so we should see him return to his natural position this season. Not sure why they thought he would work on the outside. He didn’t. Back to Nickel.

Eagles could grab a Safety

Malik Hooker is now on the top of my free agency dream signing. It’s real easy, Jalen Mills is a free agent as well. If you had the option between Jalen and Malik. It’s always Malik. He’s 24-years-old and has worked with Jonathan Gannon for years now. It’s a no-brainer.

Then there is old faithful, Rodney McLeod. McLeod is under contract for 2021 only making 3.5 million with a 5 million salary cap hit. Although he had a season-ending ACL injury, Rodney is all but guaranteed to be coming back to rejoin the Birds.

The Eagles secondary has needed a major upgrade for what feels to be forever now. This year’s NFL draft is loaded with talent. Whether they take Patrick Surtain at #6 or decide to spruce up another position. The Eagles can for sure get what they need to solidify the secondary position, but wouldn’t you want to start that process with the best corner coming out of College. I sure would.

Joey Sheeran
Follow on Twitter: @Joey_EOP

For more Eagles Coverage: Click Here

Joey Sheeran

A Father, Husband, Son, & Brother. A man who often even surprises himself with all of his hidden talents. Ball is Life. All Balls. Passionate Philly Sports fan. Avid Music enthusiasts. Flannel-wearing Whiskey drinker. Co-Owner, Co-Host, digital creator of Edge of Philly Sports. Overall Badass.