Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Mills needs to take the next step

As we look ahead to Sunday’s game against the Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Jalen Mills must build upon last season.

Of all the areas on this Philadelphia Eagles team, many will argue that the secondary ranks as the weakest spot. Specifically, the cornerback position may be the weakest spot on the team. Yes, that includes running back. Even with the additions of Ronald Darby and Patrick Patterson, the cornerback spot still needs improvement. In a sense, that doesn’t necessarily mean this needs to occur through outside intervention. So, who do you turn to?

Well, to me, Jalen Mills easily fits the bill. He had a solid rookie year given his set of circumstances. For a seventh round pick to go into a season the way he did is rather admirable. He went up against the likes of Julio Jones, Stefon Diggs, and Alshon Jeffery and gave them a run for their money. He recorded 51 tackles and defended seven passes. For a rookie, those numbers are solid.

That said, Jalen Mills definitely got blown up on quite a few occasions. He was the lowest graded cornerback on Pro Football Focus’ list of eligible corners. Obviously, this should at least raise a few eyebrows. For Mills, the issue lies mostly in allowing competitions. Of the 96 passes thrown Mills’ way, 32 of them resulted in first downs. That’s one in three passes! Not a good look if you’re Mills.

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Now, even with that in mind, you have to hope for improvement. Remember, Mills wasn’t supposed to get a ton of reps (663 total snaps in 2016). As a seventh round pick, your job typically involves special teams and depth. However, since guys like Leodis McKelvin got hurt, Mills was thrown into the lion’s den. Clearly, Mills went up a certain creek without a paddle. Last season exemplified the meaning of “on the job training”.

Hope for Mills

Clearly, Mills went up a certain creek without a paddle. Last season exemplified the meaning of “on the job training”. Ideally, Mills needs to improve on two major areas: playing the ball and not getting burned so easily. Now, you could say that every cornerback needs to work on that. Of course, but Mills needs to focus on these areas more than anyone. He tackles as well as any corner I’ve seen in midnight green. His coverage skills need work in the long game. Every time you watch the guy, he’s either making a great play in the short field or getting blown up deep.

He tackles as well as any corner I’ve seen in midnight green. His coverage skills need work in the long game. Every time you watch the guy, he’s either making a great play in the short field or getting blown up deep. If Jalen Mills can simply hone those skills, I can see him having a solid 2017.

Hopefully, the addition of Ronald Darby makes Mills’ life a little easier. Clearly, he can’t handle the number one receivers, at least not yet. It would suit him more if he took on the second tier wideouts. Typically, these players won’t present as big of a threat. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Pete, wouldn’t it make sense for Mills to go up against the best of the best?”.

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Well, yes and no. I mean, he already went up against top tier wide receivers and got burned. If he wants to see real improvement, let him learn against solid receivers. It’s all about baby steps, guys. Mills still needs time, but given the current circumstances, he will likely continue to face that second tier of players. Then again, that 2016 experience should help in the grand scheme of things. So, as long as Jalen Mills continues to hone his craft, given his current role on the team, I think the Philadelphia Eagles will benefit immensely.

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