Philadelphia Eagles: What role will CB Zech McPhearson play in 2021?

CB4/backup role.

The least appealing outcome for McPhearson this season, I wouldn’t completely rule out the idea of him starting out his Philadelphia Eagles career as a rotational option in the secondary. As much as fans would probably love to see him out there starting Week 1 alongside Slay, chucking a fourth-round pick into the deep end isn’t what’s always best for their development (as discussed previously).

This scenario once again relies on the Eagles signing a veteran corner to assume CB2 duties this season, with Maddox then hanging onto his starting slot job for at least a couple of weeks.

McPhearson could then be rotated in as both a boundary corner and in nickel packages, allowing him to learn both positions while simultaneously helping him to develop stress-free.

Barring any injuries, the team wouldn’t be asking McPhearson to guard guys like Amari Cooper, Terry McLaurin, or Kenny Golladay in this type of role.

I’d make the argument that slotting in as CB4 on the depth chart would be the best plan of attack moving forward with McPhearson, with the longterm vision being that of him turning into a starter by year two. Seeing as the Eagles aren’t really “contending” for anything this season, I see no real reason to chuck McPhearson out there in high-pressure situations before he’s 100% ready.

On the flip side, you could also make the argument that the Eagles’ lack of expectations this season gives them the perfect excuse to start a fourth-round pick at boundary corner. Only time will tell how this new-look coaching staff approaches things.