Eagles have found valuable versatility in a rookie drafted on Day 3

USA Today

2 days ago

Eagles are finding versatility in a Day 3 rookie draftee, and that could pay huge dividends down the road.
No two NFL Drafts are the same, but whether we realize that or not, the Philadelphia Eagles and every other organization enter them all with similar expectations. No franchise ever displays its mission or game plan audibly, but there are rules that we subconsciously expect each selection meeting to follow.
Everything is a crap shoot. Remember that, and the process becomes less stressful (or more so). Most know that. Most know that many of the players selected won't cut the mustard. That's why the selection meeting is an annual event.
Still, all 32 teams enter the draft with a plan. Everyone needs something, and they hope to satisfy most of their roster needs through another rookie class.
A Day 3 rookie's flexibility may bring future dividends for the Eagles' defense
In 2018's draft, the Eagles gambled on Josh Sweat in Round 4, ironically finding him in the same draft that landed Dallas Goedert, Avonte Maddox, and Jordan Mailata. Sweat worked out pretty well for the franchise. In his final act, he came oh so close to being the Super Bowl's MVP trophy this past February.
Seven years later, there is hope that Philadelphia may have again struck fourth-round gold in the form of Mac McWilliams. It's too early to tell anything, but so far, he has been impressive, showing versatility that few knew he had outside of the Eagles organization.
Throughout training camp, Vic Fangio and the defensive staff have experimented with Williams in the lineup. His five-foot-ten, 191-pound frame suggests he'd be best suited to be Avonte Maddox's replacement and play slot corner as a backup for Cooper DeJean. In various practices, he has been moved all over the lineup.
He has played some slot corner, but he has also been worked out at safety and outside corner, seemingly giving Philadelphia all sorts of potential future options.
No one should expect McWilliams to play the role of a Swiss-Army knife yet. Remember last offseason. Coach Fangio utilized a similar practice strategy with DeJean, only to tell us that he didn't want to overload the rookie early.
Fast forward to the present. DeJean has played the safety role in base sets, and he is expected to continue his role as the starting slot corner, so what does that mean for the 2025 fourth-rounder?
Philadelphia appears set at safety. Reed Blankenship and Sydney Brown seem to be the starters. Lewis Cine isn't going to work out, but the Eagles drafted an exciting rookie in Andrew Mukuba.
The starting outside cornerback role is where questions remain, on one side anyway. Quinyon Mitchell takes over for Darius Slay. Kelee Ringo and Adoree' Jackson were supposed to battle for the other starting spot. The Eagles secretly hopes Ringo will win it. Neither guy has seized the opportunity.
It's for that reason that Jakorian Bennett was added via trade. He immediately became part of the CB competition, but adversity came. He has endured a couple of rough practice outings as well.
Most of the feedback on McWilliams has been positive. He seemingly knows where to be and what to do more often than not. He has played like a prospect who is wise beyond his years.
But, McWilliams isn't capable of catapulting himself into the starting lineup and playing outside cornerback, is he? Well... Why can't he? There is one issue. He lacks size. It may be hard for him to compete physically against some of the larger No. 2 wide receivers the NFL has to offer.
That's why Ringo must win this job. He has all of the physical tools. He has the speed to run with anyone. Oh, and by the way... He is another fourth-rounder, one entering the third year of a rookie deal he signed in 2023.
Looking for a prediction? Ringo wins the job. Jackson plays the Isaiah Rodgers role. McWilliams gives the Eagles some current-day insurance and another chess piece for Fangio's defense that will eventually pay huge dividends for this organization moving forward.