Cornerback battle in Philadelphia could be one of the Eagles' top offseason stories
Cornerback battle in Philadelphia could be one of the Eagles' top offseason stories The Kelee Ringo vs. Adoree' Jackson cornerback competition in Philadelphia may be one of the premier training camp battles this summer
One can only imagine what's going on in the minds of the fringe players and the Philadelphia Eagles on the back-half of the depth chart. Much of the roster is set. It feels like most of the starting positions are too, so many of the men on the 90-man training camp roster have to believe their days are numbered.
If they don't, they could be under the impression they're auditioning for the practice squad. Then again, there are 31 other franchises. They could embrace an opportunity to play elsewhere.
There are, however, two starting spots that are still open, one on each side of the ball. One is at right guard. The other is the starting outside cornerback position on the opposite side of the formation from Quinyon Mitchell.
Kelee Ringo and Adoree Jackson figure to duke it out in what should be must-see television.
Time has flown, and though he has two years remaining on his rookie deal, this feels like 'do or die' time for Kelee Ringo. He's one of the Philly Dawgs, a two-time College Football Playoff National Champion (2021, 2022) who has now won a Super Bowl after just two seasons at the professional level.
Adoree Jackson is one of the new faces. The Birds acquired him on March 13. His deal expires after a single season and will pay him $5 million.
Mitchell will partner with the winner, presumably. Cooper DeJean mans the slot... we think... Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio stated, after the second day of OTAs, that "I really like him as the nickel", but he's been given a workload just about everywhere.
Coop also took some reps at all three cornerback spots on Day 2. He also took snaps at safety on Wednesday, but it's only the end of May. If you remember, James Bradberry took snaps at the safety position, too.
So, that places the spotlight back on Jackson and Ringo. They're the best cornerbacks on the Eagles' roster, not named Mitchell or DeJean, but there are bodies there.
Mac McWilliams is a member of Philadelphia's 2025 draft class, but he feels like a backup slot cornerback based on his frame and physique. Eli Ricks, Parry Nickerson, Tariq Castro-Fields, B.J. Mayes, A.J. Woods, and Brandon Jackson round out the remainder of the preseason cornerback depth chart.
The theories are that Ringo hasn't hit his ceiling yet, and Jackson's best years may be in his rearview mirror. This is the classic battle of youth vs. experience. It's a strange dichotomy in football.
Allies are sometimes the competition. Early theories suggest that Jackson may have the early edge, but the winner of this competition will be better for it. Iron sharoens iron, and the goal is to reach and win another Super Bowl. Jackson and Ringo's efforts are essential cogs in a much larger machine.
So, as the summer wears on, place those bets. Enjoy the show—the friendly rivalry featuring Kelee and Adoree figures to be must-see television for the best three months.
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