Philadelphia Eagles draft buzz: Ball State CB Antonio Phillips

Here’s an under-the-radar prospect that could help the Philadelphia Eagles. Ball State cornerback Antonio Phillips is a perfect match for this team and could drive a wedge in the revolving door the Birds have in the defensive secondary. With over 100 tackles and seven interceptions spanning his collegiate career, Phillips has the playmaking ability Philadelphia Eagles fans have had a hunger for since the departure of All-Pro Asante Samuel.

By now, the Birds’ needs at cornerback have been well-publicized, and that’s even held true after their trade for Pro-Bowler Darius Slay. While he has helped stabilize things and has been a great step forward for the defensive backfield, one that lacks in talent and playmakers, fans have noticed something.

The front office hasn’t been able to find someone that can play on the opposite side of the formation. They’ve placed guys on islands, and they’ve been unsuccessful more often than not.

Here’s a quote that will interest Philadelphia Eagles fans.

We at ITI sat down with a scouting source to ask him his thoughts on the Saint Louis native. He asked not to be mentioned by name but he did have this to say:

"Yes, this kid is a good one. I like his film, I like that he can play off or in man almost effortlessly it seems. He has a real edge to him and a swagger you like in your corners… To me, you need to have that mentality because you are not going to win them all. You need to be able to bounce back from a loss or getting (beaten), or getting called for a flag or whatever. He has that mentality to just bounce back and make a play."

Here’s what was said as the conversation switched to the topic of Phillips’ ball skills. This is good!

"I think he has really good ball skills and seems to have really disciplined eyes when diagnosing plays. He doesn’t take a lot of extra steps in coverage and seems to make his mind up quickly during a play. I think, honestly, he is going to be a guy that gets taken later in the draft and ends up being a really good one. He played at Ball State and for whatever reason, we treat the MAC as if they can’t play ball… Some really great players came out of the MAC. I am not going to get into that, but I will say Phillips has all the tools to be a good player in the NFL. He can be developed into a star, in my opinion."

Adding the six-foot, 190-pound prospect to the Philadelphia Eagles defensive backfield would be a win for a team struggling to find talent. While the team is in a complete coaching overhaul, the attention should be kept on the current roster and how they can find young talented prospects who could help turn this thing around. Antonio Phillips has the tools and skillset to help lead the Eagles defense back to the juggernaut they once were.

A quick quote from the Ball State product.

ITI reached out to the Ball State corner and asked him how he could help a team at the next level like the Philadelphia Eagles. This is what he had to say:

"Playing in the NFL has been a dream of mine, one that is right here in front of me now, so once I get my shot, I am going to be as great as I can be. I am a guy that will work his butt off and try to be the best version of myself at all times. I am a good teammate and a  guy my team can lean on to make a play. I know I have a lot of work to do to be great but that is the goal, to be great. I have been overlooked a lot in my life and I am used to it, but I have proven myself every time. I am going to do that again in the NFL. I am a playmaker and a guy that wants to work to be the best, all I need is a shot."

It’s no secret the Philadelphia Eagles need a boost at cornerback amongst other positions. Antonio Phillips has the size, speed, skillset, and football IQ to be the next star CB in the NFL, it would behoove the Eagles brass to keep a close eye on him.