Philadelphia Eagles: Three Late-Round Cornerback Prospects

Corn Elder, Miami

Yes, his name is “Corn”. Corn Elder, like Kazee, is 5’10”, 184 pounds, with 31 1/4 inch arms, and 83/4 inch hands. He runs the forty yard dash in 4.55 seconds.

Elder made the switch from running back to cornerback his freshman year of college, proving that his athleticism and “student of the game” mentality make him an ideal choice, despite having a similar 5th round grade as Kazee.

Elder is a bad man, he plays the game hard and is super aggressive. Like the two corners listed before him, he could step and be a contributor on this defense from mini camp. His competitive style is right up Jim Schwartz’ alley and he could find himself getting reps on both defense and special teams.

Here are his strengths per NFL.com:

"Doesn’t realize he’s undersized. Plays physically and with good confidence. Patient from press with footwork and body control for extended mirroring of release. Gets into receivers and can take their route off-schedule. Sinks into receivers on outside release constricting the vertical throwing window. Plays variety of coverages and squeezes routes in all. Former high school basketball star with point guard quickness and little hesitation in his transitions. Twitchy click-and-close to the ball. Plus instincts and ready to pounce on throws from zone. Aggressive in run support striking through his target and running his feet through completion."

Despite only having three collegiate interceptions, Corn Elder is aggressive in coverage and in run support. His style of play matches up well with what Schwartz looks for in a cornerback.

The knock on Elder is the same one that’s on Kazee, size. As I mentioned with Kazee, size isn’t the most important thing. I could look past size if the player is good enough. It looks like Elder has what it takes to be in the pros, I just hope he’s still on the board in the fifth or sixth round come draft time.

Next: Eagles Draft Preview: Linebackers Edition

As you can see, these are all legitimate options at corner that don’t require higher than a third round pick. The Philadelphia Eagles can find a different playmaker in the first and second rounds and go to one or more of these guys in the mid to late rounds. If they can come out with a Christian McCaffrey, Reuben Foster, or even a Derek Barnett in the first, and a Chris Godwin, Tre’ Davious White, or Alvin Kamara in the second and any of these guys in the third-sixth rounds, it would arguably be the best draft the Eagles have had in a long time. This is a deep draft,  fans need to become more familiar with the late round prospects.