Potential Eagles draft target reportedly tears Achilles at pro day
By Ryan Quigley
This injury could greatly impact the Eagles’ plans leading up to the draft.
It’s obvious that the Philadelphia Eagles need help at cornerback. After signing two new wide receivers in free agency, it appears the team will look to replenish their secondary in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Unfortunately, one of the top cornerback prospects available in the draft has suffered a major injury that will severely impact his draft stock.
Washington cornerback Sidney Jones reportedly suffered a torn Achilles during his pro day workout Saturday. The injury occurred on Jones’ final drill of the day.
Just had NFL source (in attendance at Washington pro day) text:
— Eric Edholm (@Eric_Edholm) March 11, 2017
"It's a torn Achilles" he was told for CB Sidney Jones. As feared.
Jones, projected to be a first-round pick in the draft, was a popular candidate to land with the Eagles. We had the Eagles taking Jones with the No. 14 overall selection in our most recent mock draft.
In three seasons with the Huskies, Jones recorded nine interceptions. As a senior, he allowed a quarterback rating of just 42.1 when targeted, per Pro Football Focus. He also didn’t allow a single touchdown in coverage. Jones even drew comparisons to his former college teammate Marcus Peters of the Kansas City Chiefs, who has become one of the NFL’s top ballhawking defensive backs.
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Following this injury, it will be interesting to see how this impacts the Eagles’ draft strategy. In a perfect world, the Eagles will be able to nab Ohio State corner Marshon Lattimore, but it’s doubtful he will fall out of the top 10. Florida corner Teez Tabor could also be an option, but after running a 4.63 40-yard dash at the combine, the Eagles may favor a faster corner on draft day.
It’s also possible that the Eagles wait until the second round to draft a corner. One name to keep an eye on in that scenario is Colorado corner Chidobe Awuzie. Awuzie ran a 4.43 40-yard dash and recorded an 11-foot broad jump at the combine. The 6’0″, 202-pound corner can play in the slot or on the outside and can also play a significant role on special teams.