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Philadelphia Eagles: Check out these sick Avonte Maddox highlights

By Geoffrey Knox

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 05: Avonte Maddox #14 of the Pittsburgh Panthers breaks up a pass in front of Andrew Williams #80 of the Youngstown State Penguins in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on September 5, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 05: Avonte Maddox #14 of the Pittsburgh Panthers breaks up a pass in front of Andrew Williams #80 of the Youngstown State Penguins in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on September 5, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) /
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Just how good could cornerback Avonte Maddox be on the Philadelphia Eagles defense?

The commercial break is over, and the Philadelphia Eagles have gone back to work. Soon, it will be time for training camp, and the talk will shift back to what it was right about the time Patrick Robinson left. What will the Eagles do at the slot corner position? Might rookie Avonte Maddox be an option?

Let’s, first, take a look at some of his highlight film while with the Pittsburgh Panthers:

Video courtesy of TeamBallin’s official YouTube page

Here’s some of what NFL.com said on his draft profile:

"Maddox is sure to get a glowing review from his coaching staff as he has been a model leader and worker during his time at Pitt. While he plays with good toughness and has good athletic traits, his ability to stay connected in coverage has been problematic. Inconsistencies in man coverage combined with a smallish frame are a concern in my opinion, but his combination of long speed and short area quickness has him rising up the board."

As you know, that sudden rise landed Maddox on the Eagles’ roster as one of their fourth-round selections. Take a look at what he did at Pitt’s most recent Pro Day:

Video courtesy of Pitt LiveWire’s official YouTube page

What are we to gain from all of this?

Perhaps, the most obvious question is how all of this translates to the NFL level. As a man who ran sub-4.4, is Maddox, who can play both inside and outside, a legitimate slot corner or does he get lost on the outside in an Eagles cornerback shuffle that includes the likes of Ronald Darby, Sidney Jones IV, and Jalen Mills?

Don’t forget De’Vante Bausby, Rasul Douglas, Randall Goforth, and D.J. Killings are also in the mix. Douglas has proven to be the cream of that crop, but even with him in the mix, you have to figure Jones and Darby are the favorites to start on the outside, don’t you?

Fran Duffy and Greg Cosell of PhiladelphiaEagles.com took a moment to break down some of the rookie’s film. Here’s what they had to say:

Video courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles’ official YouTube page

Sure, all of this is conjecture at this point, but it’s just fun to have the discussion, isn’t it? Expect the talk surrounding Maddox to increase as the Eagles draw nearer to training camp and the NFL preseason.

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