Philadelphia Eagles: Way too early 53-man roster prediction (July edition)
By David Esser
Cornerback
Darius Slay, Michael Jacquet, Avonte Maddox, Zech McPhearson, Craig James
Heading into the offseason, the last person I expected to have penciled into the cornerback #2 role was that of Michael Jacquet – and yet here we are.
An undrafted free agent signing in 2020 who was forced into a starting role following a number of injuries to the Philadelphia Eagles corner room, Jacquet finished his rookie season in seriously bad shape. He was absolutely annihilated by the likes of Michael Gallip during a must-win Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. The performance had many questioning if he would even make it to Week 17.
Jacquet survived to the end of the season, and currently appears to be the team’s top choice to start alongside Darius Slay on the boundary. There’s been all sorts of Steven Nelson related rumors, but thus far, Howie Roseman has yet to make a move. Unless something changes on that front, it does in fact appear like Jacquet will be a starter by the time Week 1 rolls around.
Avonte Maddox is set to return to the slot full-time, with fourth-round rookie Zech McPhearson and special teams stud Craig James rounding out the CB4 and CB5 jobs.
The likes of Josiah Scott, Kevon Seymour, Lavert Hill, Nate Meadors, and Shakai Taylor could all push James for that final depth chart spot during camp.