Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia Eagles, historically shy of drafting cornerbacks in the first round, are now considering a change in strategy. NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah, a former Eagles scout, believes that the upcoming 2024 draft presents a valuable opportunity for the Eagles to bolster their cornerback position with the 22nd pick.
Jeremiah highlighted the depth of talent available at the cornerback position in this year’s draft, with approximately 14 to 15 prospects graded in the top three rounds. Despite bringing back Darius Slay for the 2024 season, the Eagles face uncertainty beyond that point. While James Bradberry remains under contract, his performance in the 2023 season raises questions about his future with the team. Rookies Kelee Ringo and Eli Ricks have shown promise, but their long-term potential remains uncertain.
In his recent mock draft, Jeremiah projected the Eagles to select Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. at the 22nd spot. Rakestraw, described as sharing similarities with Slay in terms of toughness and playing style, has impressed Jeremiah with his energy and versatility. Despite having only one interception in college, Rakestraw’s ability to break up passes has caught the attention of NFL scouts.
While Rakestraw seems like a strong fit for the Eagles, Jeremiah also mentioned other intriguing cornerback prospects. Terrion Arnold, Nate Wiggins, and Quinyon Mitchell were among the corners selected in Jeremiah’s mock draft, each offering unique skill sets and potential for success in the NFL. Jeremiah singled out Wiggins and Cooper DeJean as players to keep an eye on, noting their speed, size, and fluidity on the field.
As the Eagles weigh their options for the upcoming draft, the focus on identifying young talent to strengthen the cornerback position appears to be a top priority. With the future of their cornerback corps in question, selecting a promising prospect like Rakestraw could prove to be a pivotal move for the team. As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Eagles to see how they address their cornerback needs and solidify their defense for the seasons to come.