Medium Splash: Eagles Can Improve Without Breaking the Bank

Nov 17, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Walter Thurmond (28) runs the ball in for a touchdown after intercepting a pass by Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) (not pictured) during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Minnesota 41-20. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

7) Walter Thurmond III, Seattle Seahawks Cornerback

While coach Chip Kelly has not shown unusual affinity for former players of his at Oregon, Walter Thurmond III fits a position of need. Eagles cornerbacks Bradley Fletcher and Cary Williams performed above expectations in the eye test, though the Eagles still gave up the most passing yards in the 2013 season (4,636) of any team. Not without risks, Thurmond III was placed on IR in October 2011 for a broken fibula and was suspended four games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy in November 2013. However, it was Chip Kelly who helped mold Thurmond into a draftable talent for a team playing in the Super Bowl this Sunday, and if he signs with the Eagles it would make the second year in a row the team has signed a cornerback from the previous year’s champion.