Eagles CB unit lands in the top-25 of a PFF ranking of all 32 NFL teams
The Eagles have one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL with Darius Slay, but the position opposite the veteran is lacking top-notch talent and depth.
Philadelphia drafted Zech McPhearson in the fourth round, while veteran cornerback Avonte Maddox is playing for a new contract and should see time back in the slot. Pro Football Focus just ranked the cornerback units for all 32 NFL teams, and the Eagles landed in the top-25, at No. 25 overall.
25. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
It’s been two years since Darius Slay played at an elite level. His PFF grade dropped from 90.0 over a five-year stint in Detroit to just 59.5 across the past two years. The Eagles need him to return to that earlier form because their cornerback depth leaves a lot to be desired. Avonte Maddox (37.1 coverage grade in 2020) and fourth-round rookie Zech McPhearson are among the most notable names behind Slay on the depth chart.Bringing in safety Anthony Harris on a one-year, $4 million deal this offseason was good value for the Eagles. Harris finished fifth among all safeties in PFF WAR across the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
Only the Seahawks, Jaguars, Jets, Raiders, Lions, Cowboys, and Falcons have cornerback units ranked lower.
Defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon says he’s comfortable with the cornerbacks on the roster, while players such as Michael Jacquet, Kevon Seymour, Lavert Hill, Shakial Taylor, and others could see improved results thanks to Philadelphia playing more zone this season.
