The Philadelphia Eagles were one of the bigger surprises of the 2021 season. They went 9-8, earning a Wild Card spot in the NFC. But, the Wild Card weekend game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers showed just how much more work the team has to do.
Tampa Bay led 31-0 heading into the fourth quarter before surrendering two touchdowns in the final frame. While the outcome was certainly a disappointment, it was a step in the right direction for Philadelphia.
After how poorly 2020 ended, with head coach Doug Pederson being fired, the 2021 season was a big step in the right direction. Now, armed with three first-round picks, the Eagles can take an even bigger step this upcoming season.
One area that they will look to upgrade is the secondary. The Eagles lost some cornerback and safety depth and could look to replenish it in the 2022 NFL Draft. Here are three potential options for the Eagles at cornerback in the draft.
3. Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson
The Eagles have a pretty sizable hole opposite of Darius Slay in their secondary. The starter opposite of him in 2021, Steven Nelson, registered the worst coverage grade of his career at 60.9 and remains a free agent.
As things currently stand, Day 3 picks from the 2021 NFL Draft in Zech McPhearson, Kary Vincent Jr. and Tay Gowan are the next guys up right now in Philadelphia. That is something that will likely change and it could come in the way of Andrew Booth Jr.
The Clemson product was solid in his first season as a starter, surrendering 29 catches on 46 targets for 312 yards. He moves well but needs to clean up his technique so that cut down on how many times he is exposed.
2. Jalen Pitre, Baylor
While cornerback remains a pressing need for the team, Philadelphia could also use some help at the safety spot. If they are looking for someone who can offer a little bit of versatility at both spots, Jalen Pitre could be someone they look at.
Pitre isn’t projected to be a first-round pick, but he could be squarely on their radar in the second round. He was a standout on the Baylor defense and was a big reason the team found so much success on that side of the ball.
He played slot corner for the Bears, but standing 6-feet tall and weighing 197 pounds, he could be moved around like a chess piece for the Eagles’ defense. He led all defensive backs in the nation with 47 stops last season.
1. Trent McDuffie, Washington
If the Eagles are lucky enough to have Trent McDuffie still be on the board when they are on the clock, they should run the draft card up to the podium. He is one of the best secondary players in this year’s draft class and would be a great addition to their defense.
McDuffie is a little undersized but more than makes up for it with how he plays. He is as versatile as they come. His skillset and intangibles are everything you want in a high-end cornerback.
He wasn’t targeted much last season and with good reason. He allowed only 16 receptions on 36 targets, giving up 111 yards and zero touchdowns. He added five pass breakups for good measure.
