The NFL Combine begins next week, which will give the Eagles a chance to get a good look at some of the top prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft — including cornerbacks, their biggest need on the Betpas team.
In their latest mock draft, CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson predicts the Eagles will select cornerback Washington cornerback Sidney Jones.
Wide receiver makes a ton of sense here, but with Williams and Davis already off the board, the Eagles look to beef up a secondary that had some issues on what turned out to be a very good defensive group. Nolan Carroll’s future in Philly remains up in the air and Jalen Mills graded out as the Eagles’ worst defensive player in ’16, according to PFF.
Wilson has Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams (No. 10 overall), Western Michigan receiver Corey Davis (No. 13) and Florida State running back Dalvin Cook (No. 14) all going before the Eagles go on the clock.
DeSean to Tampa Bay?
Jones, 6-foot-0, 181 pounds, finished his three year career at Washington with 145 tackles, eight interceptions, six fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles.
The Eagles need to add at least two new cornerbacks this season, as they have already released Leodis McKelvin, and it is unlikely they will be re-signing Nolan Carroll — their two starting cornerbacks from last season.
If the Eagles did take Jones, they would have to do so knowing he could come in and start right away.
Here is more on Jones, via CBS Sports:
STRENGTHS: The first thing that stands out about Jones is his easy movement skills. He has very light feet and loose hips, allowing him to shadow receivers throughout their routes. Jones has the height, long arms and easy change of direction to handle pressing at the line of scrimmage. He delivers a solid jolt to the receiver and fluidly pivots in trail position, mirroring receivers into the route. When in zone coverage, Jones shows very good route anticipation, working to keep himself between the quarterback and receiver. He shows impressive confidence and poise with the ball in the air, trusting his athleticism and technique. Jones reads the receiver, turning to locate the ball and showing excellent ballskills for the interception, including the ability to make the one-handed circus catch.
WEAKNESSES: The “biggest” knock on Jones is his spindly frame, which includes relatively narrow hips and thin limbs that raise questions about his ability to hold up to NFL physicality. Jones’ lack of ideal strength shows up most often against bigger receivers, who are able to gain separation by shoving him aside. While an effective tackler, Jones is too willing to let teammates do the dirty work in run support.
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Eliot Shorr-Parks may be reached at eshorrpa@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @EliotShorrParks. Find NJ.com Eagles on Facebook.
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