Latest news with #AvonteMaddox
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Eagles have found valuable versatility in a rookie drafted on Day 3
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.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lions' Sneaky Offseason Addition Could Fix Biggest Weakness on Defense
Lions' Sneaky Offseason Addition Could Fix Biggest Weakness on Defense originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Detroit Lions fell to the Washington Commanders in the playoffs last season after their secondary was decimated by injuries, including the in-game loss of Amik Robertson, who shut down Vikings superstar Justin Jefferson the previous game. Advertisement The Lions' secondary's lack of depth and experience have come back to bite the team several years running as the franchise always seems to lose its secondary's key cogs at unexpected times, culminating in last season's disaster. On Wednesday, Lions insider Tim Twentyman spoke of a player who could help Detroit to shore up and put an end to what has been its biggest weaknesses for several years running. Deshea Townsend of the Lions. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK Twentyman shared big faith in the Lions' secondary trio of DJ Reed, Terrion Arnold and Robertson, adding that offseason free agent signing Avonte Maddox, who came over from the Super Bowl LIX champion Philadelphia Eagles, could make a big difference in the team's play throughout the season. Advertisement "Maddox will enter camp as the backup nickel and No. 3 safety, and it's comforting to know the Lions have some veteran experience in a backup role at each spot," Twentyman added to "It's a veteran (secondary) group with versatility and experience. It's one of the position groups I expect to see big gains from in 2025." Maddox stands 5 feet, 9 inches and weighs 184 pounds, giving him the type of size usually reserved for nickelbacks. A 2018 fourth round draft pick (#125 overall) from the Pittsburgh Panthers, Maddox had 20 total tackles last season and broke up 5 passes for Eagles defensive backs coach Christian Parker's team in Philly. Advertisement His best season came in 2021 when he compiled 73 tackles and forced two fumbles with the Eagles while playing in 16 games with the NFC East Division team. Related: Jared Goff Admits he Felt 'Betrayed' by Sean McVay, Rams After Trade to Lions This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Pitt DB signs with hometown Detroit Lions
This article originally appeared on Avonte Maddox, a former Pitt defensive back, hails from Detroit, Mich. and that is where he will play his next season in the National Football League. On Friday, the Detroit Lions signed the unrestricted free agent Maddox. Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the deal is for one year. Maddox, 28, has spent the entirety of his seven-year NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles after the organization drafted the Pitt cornerback in the fourth round of the 2018 draft with the 125th overall selection. While in Philadelphia, Maddox played a depth role in the secondary and became a Super Bowl Champion in 2025. Against the Kansas City Chiefs, Maddox recorded one pass defended. Maddox signed a one-year deal prior to the 2024-25 season as he went on to compile 19 tackles (eight solo) and five passes defended in 17 games. Click here to read more from Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Avonte Maddox: Breaking down what Detroit's new CB brings to the Lions
The Detroit Lions picked up a Super Bowl-winning cornerback on Friday, furthering their effort to bolster their depth at the position this offseason. Former Eagles CB Avonte Maddox joins D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin as the latest additions to the Lions's secondary, providing additional veteran experience and depth to a position that was significantly depleted for Detroit last year. Maddox, 28, is coming off of a Super Bowl-winning season in Philadelphia. Though used primarily in nickel situations throughout last season, he made a key play against the Chiefs in the Super Bowl that helped close the door on Patrick Mahomes, deflecting a 4th-down pass that gave the ball back to the Eagles in the third quarter. The aforementioned PD of Patrick Mahomes in the last of Avonte Maddox's 281 games (regular season and playoffs) in an #Eagles uniform. — Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 21, 2025 Maddox will likely play a similar role in Detroit, barring any injuries to starters Reed and Terrion Arnold, though he'll be doing it for his hometown. He is a Detroit native and King High School alum. Maddox primarily played corner in his seven seasons for the Eagles but also got some limited experience at safety. Versatility will be key on this defense, as a year marred by injuries like last year saw the team move a lot of pieces around game-by-game. He's started 41 of the 81 games he's appeared in, totaling four career interceptions and eight forced fumbles. Maddox is certain to get plenty of snaps, especially in nickel situations. Pro Football Focus ranked him around the middle of the pack for his position, giving him an overall grade of 56.3. PFF did grant Maddox an above-average grade of 71.9 for his pass rush abilities, which will be key if the Lions once again struggle to get pressure with a four-man rush in 2025. Maddox's addition, along with Reed, Ya-Sin, and the return of Khalil Dorsey, makes CB less of a need for the team headed into the draft, allowing them to focus on both offensive and defensive linemen. Maddox being one of many Lions signing one-year deals for the upcoming season also gives the Lions plenty of financial flexibility going forward. This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Avonte Maddox: Breaking down what Detroit's new CB brings to the Lions
USA Today
22-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Avonte Maddox: Breaking down what Detroit's new CB brings to the Lions
Avonte Maddox: Breaking down what Detroit's new CB brings to the Lions The Detroit Lions picked up a Super Bowl-winning cornerback on Friday, furthering their effort to bolster their depth at the position this offseason. Former Eagles CB Avonte Maddox joins D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin as the latest additions to the Lions's secondary, providing additional veteran experience and depth to a position that was significantly depleted for Detroit last year. What does Avonte Maddox bring to Detroit? Maddox, 28, is coming off of a Super Bowl-winning season in Philadelphia. Though used primarily in nickel situations throughout last season, he made a key play against the Chiefs in the Super Bowl that helped close the door on Patrick Mahomes, deflecting a 4th-down pass that gave the ball back to the Eagles in the third quarter. Maddox will likely play a similar role in Detroit, barring any injuries to starters Reed and Terrion Arnold, though he'll be doing it for his hometown. He is a Detroit native and King High School alum. Maddox primarily played corner in his seven seasons for the Eagles but also got some limited experience at safety. Versatility will be key on this defense, as a year marred by injuries like last year saw the team move a lot of pieces around game-by-game. He's started 41 of the 81 games he's appeared in, totaling four career interceptions and eight forced fumbles. Maddox is certain to get plenty of snaps, especially in nickel situations. Pro Football Focus ranked him around the middle of the pack for his position, giving him an overall grade of 56.3. PFF did grant Maddox an above-average grade of 71.9 for his pass rush abilities, which will be key if the Lions once again struggle to get pressure with a four-man rush in 2025. Maddox's addition, along with Reed, Ya-Sin, and the return of Khalil Dorsey, makes CB less of a need for the team headed into the draft, allowing them to focus on both offensive and defensive linemen. Maddox being one of many Lions signing one-year deals for the upcoming season also gives the Lions plenty of financial flexibility going forward.
