The Philadelphia Eagles are experiencing one of their most significant secondary overhauls in recent memory, and early indications from OTAs suggest an intriguing position battle is brewing for the team's third cornerback spot.
Following a dramatic offseason that saw the departure of four veteran defensive backs, the Eagles have committed to a youth movement in their secondary. The team traded safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to Houston, released cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry, and watched Avonte Maddox sign with Detroit as a free agent. With rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean already establishing themselves as the presumptive starters at left cornerback and nickel respectively, attention has turned to who will claim the right cornerback position.
Two players have emerged as the primary contenders: veteran Adoree' Jackson and third-year corner Kelee Ringo.
Jackson brings eight years of NFL experience to the competition. The 29-year-old former first-round pick has started 82 games across his career with Tennessee and the New York Giants, recording 61 pass breakups and four interceptions. However, Jackson is coming off a challenging 2024 season where he started just five of 14 games played with the Giants. His veteran presence and experience in multiple defensive systems could prove valuable for an Eagles secondary that will feature significant youth.
Ringo represents the upside play in this competition. The 2023 fourth-round pick possesses the kind of physical tools that make defensive coordinators salivate – standing 6-foot-2 with impressive length and athleticism. Now entering his third NFL season, Ringo has appeared in 34 regular-season games over his first two years, recording 36 tackles, three pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one interception. What makes Ringo particularly intriguing is his ability to match up with the NFL's increasing number of larger receivers while his length can disrupt passing lanes in ways that smaller corners cannot.
Reports from Eagles OTAs indicate that both players are receiving significant opportunities with the first-team defense, splitting time at the right cornerback position. Perhaps most tellingly, Ringo has been observed leading the huddle during defensive back drills – a sign that the coaching staff trusts his football IQ and communication skills despite his relative inexperience.
While the real battle will unfold during training camp and preseason games, Jackson's experience could prove crucial in high-pressure situations early in the season. However, Ringo's physical tools and apparent leadership qualities suggest he may not be far behind in his development. The Eagles have shown they're not afraid to trust young players in important roles, as evidenced by their confidence in Mitchell and DeJean.
What's certain is that both players will push each other throughout the summer, ultimately benefiting a defense that needs reliable cornerback play to complement what should be an improved pass rush. The competition may extend well into the regular season, with both players likely seeing significant snaps regardless of who claims the official starting role.