Philadelphia Eagles debate table: Will Jalen Mills take over at slot corner?
Is Jalen Mills the most-likely candidate to replace Patrick Robinson as the Philadelphia Eagles slot corner? Some recent comments by his head coach may suggest that he is.
Remember that whole ‘Dream Team’ thing? It’s hard to admit this now, but the moves Philadelphia Eagles executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman made during 2017 might remind one of that if not for three reasons. One, those ‘Dream Team’ guys never really felt like they were Eagles. Second, those guys weren’t close to being as talented, not even on paper. Jason Babin and Vince Young? Really? Third, this version of the Eagles has found the proper mix of adding players, both, in free agency and via the draft. Take Jalen Mills for instance.
Mills is one of those homegrown Eagles, and he’s more than earned the wings on his helmet, that green jersey and the love of his fan base. There’s just one question. Is he truly an outside corner?
Philly’s in a better spot than they were a season ago.
Now, to constantly bring up the fact that Mills was susceptible to double moves, doesn’t quite do ‘number 31’ justice. Yes, it happened, but Mills has proven he’s more than solid and an above average corner in the NFL. He may not possess top-end speed, but he’s improved as his career has gone on.
Philadelphia Eagles
Philly’s in a much better position at the cornerback position than they were last off-season. There were rumors of a Ronald Darby trade, but it appears he’ll be around. We’ve mentioned Mills. That leaves Rasul Douglas, Sidney Jones IV and newly-acquired Daryl Worley as the likely lineup when the regular season begins.
Also on the current roster are De’Vante Bausby, Elie Bouka, Randall Goforth and D.J. Killings. The latter four aren’t necessarily assured of a roster spot. Darby and Jones figure to be the starters on the outside in 2018. With Patrick Robinson (the Eagles starting slot corner from a season ago) gone, Philly needs to figure out who his replacement will be.
Might moving Mills to the slot do the trick?
Whoever replaces Robinson will have big shoes to fill. Robinson’s four interceptions in 2017’s regular season led the team. His interception in the NFC Championship Game shifted the momentum in that one, and the Minnesota Vikings were never able to recover.
Next: Alshon Jeffery trolls Malcolm Butler and the Patriots
Recent comments by the Eagles head coach, Doug Pederson, might lead one to believe we can expect Mills in Robinson’s spot next season. When asked about that possibility, he seemed confident if ‘The Green Goblin’ is, indeed, moved inside.
Take a look:
"I think he’s comfortable enough. He understands. He’s a versatile guy. If you ever needed him to play a safety spot he can go back. He’s that type of athlete, not just one position. He’s versatile enough to know that we can be able to move him around a little bit. For a guy that was drafted where he was, late, he’s been a real, real, big bright big spot for us these first two years."
Though the Eagles have a league-low six picks in the upcoming NFL Draft and needs in other areas, none of us can rule out the possibility of Philly using the 32nd-overall pick on a slot corner. They’ve been eyeing Donte Jackson, formerly of the LSU Tigers and Mike Hughes of Central Florida.