Philadelphia Eagles: Insiders believe Avonte Maddox’s stock is on the rise

Word around Philadelphia Eagles’ mandatory minicamp is that second-year cornerback Avonte Maddox looks much improved.

Once again, the Philadelphia Eagles have an early riser from a later pick for the secondary. A few years ago, we witnessed the emergence of Jalen Mills. Despite being a seventh-round selection in 2016, Mills established himself as one of the more reliable cornerbacks on the Eagles at that time, which made him a starter for the next two seasons.

Last year, we saw some flashes from rookie cornerback, Avonte Maddox. Although he wasn’t selected as late as Mills, the fourth-rounder still showed some immediate progress when thrown into the fire last year. Maddox wasn’t expected to get much playing time last season, but the injuries to the secondary forced him into a significant premature role.

First, we witnessed him fill in at safety, despite never playing the position in his career. Somehow, Maddox fared well. Then, he was asked to cover in the nickel at cornerback. Once again, Maddox was reliable there as well. Later on down the line, Maddox had to get forced to the outside at cornerback where he hardly practiced at all last season and little did we know, he would become one of the better players to take over the outside last season.

Now, it’s become quite evident that Maddox deserves to be on the field one way or another this season. A starting job won’t be given to him right off the bat, as a battle will ensue. However, it sure sounds like Maddox understands that, and is earning his right to get on the field next season so far at OTAs and mandatory minicamp. Let’s check in on some of the praise he’s garnered from the insiders at the Nova Care Complex.

Maddox’s stock is on the rise

"“Cornerback Avonte Maddox lined up in the nickel position for the majority of practice. He produced a leaping interception on a throw from Wentz to wide receiver Marken Michel during 11-on-11 drills. Maddox jumped Michel’s route and then made a leaping grab for the pick. It was a great play by the young defensive back, who should be on the field as much as possible during the season, no matter where he plays.”"

– Mike Kaye of NJ Advanced media

"“It’s conceivable that Maddox may stay atop the depth chart even when they return. Darby (knee) and Mills (foot) first have to prove they’ll be ready by the season opener, but, even if they are, has either done enough to be handed back his job? If there’s an obstacle keeping Maddox from starting outside, it’s that he’s a jack of many trades. While that is a feature that will likely sustain his career over the long run — as it has for Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins — it could keep him from finding a permanent home.”"

– Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer

"“The defensive highlight of the day was an interception by Avonte Maddox, who was playing what looked like trail coverage on Marken Michel, who was running some sort of seam route. When the ball was released by Wentz, Maddox accelerated — and then elevated — for the ball, making an impressive leaping catch, before running the other way with it. Maddox has picked up right where he left off a season ago, and looks really good.”"

– Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice

Will Maddox get a starting position this season? It seems like the odds have gone up. However, it’s also necessary to note that Ronald Darby and Jalen Mills haven’t been able to participate at all this offseason. If they are back by training camp, they will likely be given a fair shot. As of right now though, it definitely sounds like Maddox has the upper-hand.

And considering that the Eagles paid Ronald Darby a decent salary for this one season, there’s no way they plan on benching him. So it feels like the battle will be a four-way fight on the outside between Maddox, Mills, Rasul Douglas and Sidney Jones. May the best corner win.