Eagles' Training Camp: Vic Fangio provides an update on Philadelphia's CB competition

Yahoo

4 days ago

As the Eagles' first preseason game approaches, the starting cornerback job across from Quinyon Mitchell remains up for grabs. Third-year player Kelee Ringo has been competing with veteran Adoree' Jackson throughout camp, and neither player has gained the advantage thus far.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio shared his thoughts on the position battle ahead of Monday's padded practice.
"It's close," Fangio said. "I think both of them are having a good camp. But it's close. I've been happy with both of them, we'll see."
As of today, Jackson has started with the first-team defense in five training camp sessions while Ringo has started in four. Ringo, a 2023 fourth-round pick, is aiming to take on a larger role in the Eagles' secondary following the departures of Darius Slay and Isaiah Rodgers in free agency.
Meanwhile, Jackson brings plenty of experience with 82 career starts, though the 29-year-old may be showing signs of decline, starting only five times in 14 games for the Giants last year. Fangio did praise the nine-year veteran, stating Jackson has "had a good camp and competed well."
One dark-horse candidate who might shake things up in the competition is Eli Ricks. The former undrafted free agent is putting together impressive outings in training camp, breaking up multiple passes and intercepting Jalen Hurts on an overthrown pass intended for Saquon Barkley.
'I definitely would say I've grown much every year, even though I didn't play as much last year as my rookie year,' Ricks said. 'I definitely feel like I've grown every year, mentally. I'm much more confident. This is only my second year in the same defense. My first year, I had a new defensive coordinator. The second year, I had a new one. So, I feel much more comfortable, this being my second year in the defense. So, I feel like I'm only growing and getting better.'
Ricks, 6-2, 190 pounds with a 32' arm length, has appeared in 23 games for the Eagles, allowing just a 54.5 completion percentage when targeted. Still just 23 years old, there's plenty of time for Ricks to develop into a starting-caliber cornerback.
"He has made some plays. He needs to eliminate the negative ones, too. He's going to get a bunch of snaps in the preseason and hopefully that will show itself," Fangio said of Ricks.
Update: Eagles add a third participant to CB competition
In an intriguing and interesting move that'll add more cornerback depth, the Eagles are acquiring cornerback Jakorian Bennett from the Raiders for Thomas Booker.
Bennett became the odd man out in a Raiders cornerback rotation that includes second-year cover guy Darien Porter, Eric Stokes, and Decamerion Richardson.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Vic Fangio provides update on Eagles cornerback battle