Mike Hughes could be the Eagles solution for the slot

One of the biggest questions for Philadelphia Eagles heading into the 2018 season: Who will play cornerback in the nickel?

The defending Super Bowl champion, Philadelphia Eagles, has not slowed down one bit. General Manager Howie Roseman has been signing veteran depth while the scouts take a look at some young talent entering the league in 2018. Although the Eagles are fortunate enough to bring back a majority of last year’s starters, they still have some significant questions that need answering.

Fortunately, the Eagles were able to maintain their 2017 defensive MVP, Nigel Bradham. But since they had to empty the safe for the linebacker, they were unable to retain perhaps their most underrated player of the 2017 season, Patrick Robinson.

After what was expected to be an average-to-below-average season by Robinson, the Eagles ended up realizing they struck gold in last year’s free agency period. Robinson ended up being one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL in 2017. He excelled in his nickel position, which helped him gain enough recognition to sign a long-term deal with the New Orleans Saints.

Now, the Eagles are left with a sizable question mark concerning the slot cornerback position for 2018. While they do have a surplus of young talent, none of those guys have ever been able to shift to the inside to play in the nickel. And unfortunately, a change like that won’t happen successfully overnight.

So what could the Eagles do to solve their needs in the slot? Well, there’s a little something called the NFL Draft. Fortunately, this year’s draft happens to contain a specific slot-ready cornerback that the Eagles have expressed some interest in. University of Central Florida’s Mike Hughes could potentially fill the need in the nickel for next season.

Who is Mike Hughes?

Mike Hughes is a 5’10”, 189-pound cornerback from UCF. With experience on the outside, and inside in the secondary, Hughes could immediately become the Eagles most versatile cornerback. He finished out his one-and-only season with the Knights collecting 49 total tackles and four interceptions.

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Hughes is a speedy back who can keep up with the best of them. But he is also adamant and able to get physical. Perhaps one of the more versatile corner’s coming into the league, Hughes can also be a contributor on special teams as a return man. What a coincidence, because a return man just so happens to be another immediate need for the Eagles.

Hughes returned 20 punts for 635 yards and two touchdowns last season. His abilities to contribute in the nickel and the return game can give the Eagles the type of player that they have been missing since they traded Brandon Boykin to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Although Boykin failed to stay healthy throughout the remainder of his career, he was one of the best slot cornerback’s in football around 2013. Now, the Eagles need to get back to finding a decent long-term option for a cornerback who can excel in the nickel and the return game.

Hughes’ doesn’t have an extensive background of experience. But his versatility has him projected getting picked as early as the second round. Clearly, the Eagles would need to pull the trigger on him at 32, but don’t rule out a trade back. If the Eagles can acquire a later pick in the second round, we can expect Hughes to be on his way to Philly as long as he is available.

Next: Two Potential Draft Scenarios for the Philadelphia Eagles

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