Projecting the Eagles 2015 First Round Pick: Defense

Nov 27, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant (88) can not make the catch in the fourth quarter against Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Bradley Fletcher (24) and safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Cornerback

• Current: Cary Williams, Bradley Fletcher, Brandon Boykin, Nolan Carroll, Jaylen Watkins, Roc Carmichael
• Signed Through 2015-16: Cary Williams, Brandon Boykin, Nolan Carroll, Jaylen Watkins
• Signed Through 2016-17: Jaylen Watkins

If you look at this group as individuals opposed to how they’ve actually been playing as a unit, you’d be amazed that the Eagles are 9-3. While star power isn’t everything, this is the unit that has earned the “overachiever” medallion in my book.

Cary Williams, despite an interception and overall nice game vs. Dallas, has me cringing every time I see a pass going his way. Bradley Fletcher, a free agent-to-be, has been picked on his fair share as well. Nolan Carroll, despite being signed this offseason, hasn’t really found a role that he can excel at yet. Rookie corner Jaylen Watkins is now splitting time at safety, and Roc Carmichael hasn’t been active since re-signing with the team just before the Titans game.

Brandon Boykin, the corner who all Eagles fans should know by now, seems doomed to a career in the slot while on the Eagles.

It’s not all bad. They’re playing well enough to not hurt the team’s success, but there definitely should be a focus for the front office to land an above-average outside starter before taking the field for next season. It’s a lot easier to look good with a nice pass rush, and I think that’s a primary reason the Eagles haven’t had to seriously worry about their secondary this year.

2015 Draft Need: 9.5/10

Next: Eagles Safe at Safety?