The Philadelphia Eagles are looking to rebound after a historic skid to end their 2023 season.
After starting 10-1, the Eagles lost five of their last six games and were eliminated in the wildcard round of the playoffs by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Their defense was public enemy No. 1, as their linebackers and secondary were suspect to close out the season. The Eagles addressed their needs in the secondary by selecting cornerback Quinyon Mitchell out of Toledo in the first round - the first cornerback they’ve taken in the first round since Lito Sheppard in 2002. They also selected Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean in the second round.
With training camps around the league opening, CBS Sports NFL analyst Cody Benjamin broke down his biggest camp battles to keep an eye on, and the Eagles’ cornerbacks were highlighted as a position competition to watch.
“The competition: Quinyon Mitchell vs. James Bradberry vs. Isaiah Rodgers vs. Cooper DeJean vs. Kelee Ringo,” Benjamin wrote.
“This doesn't even include Darius Slay, who's penciled in as the Eagles' top outside corner, or longtime slot option Avonte Maddox, whose injury history muddies his role. Bradberry has long been cited as a logical cut candidate, while Rodgers, the former Indianapolis Colts starter, is a potential X-factor after returning from suspension.”
The Eagles’ defense finished 28th in the NFL in EPA per dropback, and they were 24th in success rate in 2023. The likes of Mitchell and DeJean will be expected to contribute early and turn around their luck from a season ago.
