Philadelphia Eagles draft buzz: Sitting with Oregon DB Verone McKinley III

The Philadelphia Eagles’ secondary needs help, and this product can help.

When you watch the film on University of Oregon defensive back Verone McKinley III, it’s easy to see how he could help the Philadelphia Eagles defense. The five-foot-eleven 200 pound prospect is a skilled defender with the ability to play both safety spots, the nickel corner position, or rock out on an island.

He has a nose for the ball and never seems to shy away from contact in the running game. As you’re well aware, both are traits that the Birds defense can benefit from.

We at ITI had the opportunity to sit with Mr. McKinley and ask him about his playing style, what he feels he can bring to an NFL locker room like the one the Philadelphia Eagles have, and the pressures of playing at the University of Oregon. Here’s what he had to say:

"As far as playing at Oregon, I don’t personally feel any pressure really. I feel like as long as you do your job and are ready to go when you need to all the rest will fall in place for you. I get what you mean by ‘pressure’, playing for a big-time school and all, but I don’t feel any extra stress playing here. I think if you are playing out here or sign up to play at Oregon or any big school, you already have a certain ‘It factor’ to you. As far as my playing style, I would say I am versatile and can help in multiple spots on the backend. I Have the football IQ that makes it easy to coach and have a feel for the play and what the offense is trying to do. I like to play downhill and make my presence known and really set the tone that way. I love this game and I think you can really see that in my playing style. Just watch the film."

Here is a quote that could interest Philadelphia Eagles fans.

Before we sat with Oregon Duck prospect Verone McKinley III, we at ITI reached out to a scouting source to ask him his opinion on the rising star. He asked not to be named, but had this to say:

"I really like McKinley. When you put on his film, you see how he pops right away. I like that he always seems to be in the right place and never seems to chase the wrong thing. He doesn’t get fooled by trick-plays or anything. You can tell he is in the film room and studies what the offense is trying to do. You could have him in coverage and forget about him, in a good way really. He won’t give up cheap plays. He can also come screaming downhill and stuff his face in the running game. He likes contact and loves to hit the guy with the ball. He has the type of skill that you want to have on your team because you get a guy that can be put all over the field. You bring in a guy like him you get someone who could play multiple spots, that is something the Philadelphia Eagles need right now."

Here’s what McKinley could bring to the Philadelphia Eagles’ locker room.

Moving forward, McKinley spoke about what he feels he could bring to the Philadelphia Eagles or any of the 31 other NFL rosters. Here’s his take on that:

"I think I can help all over the field really, from covering on an island or in traffic or dropping back and playing single high. I can take away a tight end or slot guy, or I could play in a box and help against the run game. I am a hard worker and a guy that is always going to do the right thing for my team and my teammates. No matter where I end up, I will be one of the hardest workers on that team. I am a guy that can set the tone and will do so week-in and week-out"

Here are a few final thoughts from what was a great interview with a young man that has his head on straight and should be a joy to coach. The Philadelphia Eagles are in need of an upgrade on the backend of their defense, as well as adding some young talent. Verone McKinley III can help in many ways and would give the defense a solid prospect to develop for years to come.

While veteran Rodney Mcleod has been good-to-great at times, he is getting older every year, and in 2021, he’ll be coming off of another significant injury. Adding a young and talented player like McKinley would give the Philadelphia Eagles a rising star who could take the reigns when Mcleod is gone.

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