Philadelphia Eagles: Predicting which cornerbacks stay or go in 2020
By Hunter Doyle
Craig James: Practice squad
In his second NFL season, Craig James worked his way onto the roster in September for the Eagles.
While James didn’t play much on defense last season in Philadelphia, the 23-year-old showed some potential in the limited action.
Eagles fans remember the huge win at Lambeau Field to close out the opening month of the season, in which Nigel Bradham picked off a pass that was originally batted up in the air by James to help Philadelphia seal the victory.
Believe it or not, that was just the second defensive snap of the night for James and both of his snaps came on the last two defensive plays of the game.
Even more crazy to believe, this was just the third defensive snap of his NFL career.
James only made one start last season, and that came during a game in which the Eagles dominated the New York Jets 31-6. He finished with three tackles and played 97 percent of the defensive snaps that day.
Even with his lack of experience, Schwartz did not hesitate to put his trust in James.
With some encouraging signs, there is still plenty of work to be put in moving forward when it comes to James. Yet, despite not being ready to contribute regularly on defense, James provided value on special teams, especially as a gunner on punts.
James and Rudy Ford often got down the field quickly to either make big tackles or force the punt returner into another tackler’s arms.
In a cornerback room that is now packed with experience, James will likely be one of the odd-men out. Philadelphia should still keep James around on the practice squad if possible.
James kept his roster spot after that game-winning play in Green Bay, which means he must have been doing something right.
It would be smart to keep James around and let him develop under the coaching staff. If there are any injuries, James will still be there to fill in.
With NFL rosters expanded to 55 players, if James is a standout player in the preseason, maybe Roseman ends up giving him a spot over another guy due to his added value on special teams.