10 Eagles cornerback draft targets that could start opposite Darius Slay

The Eagles are expected to find Darius Slay’s complement during the 2022 NFL Draft.

As we approach the new NFL year, the Philadelphia Eagles have a ton of bodies in the secondary. That’s particularly true at the cornerback position. Just look at all of these names: Darius Slay, Tay Gowan, Craig James, Mac McCain III, Avonte Maddox, Zech McPhearson, Steven Nelson, and Josiah Scott. They also have Andre Chachere and Kary Vincent Jr. listed as defensive backs.

With so many guys and with all of the transactions the Eagles have made at the position, it might be easy for us to ask why we’re still discussing cornerbacks. It feels like we do so every year, but those hoping for a change in that regard won’t see it. Here’s the skinny.

If the Eagles move on from Steven Nelson, which, as you know, is a very real possibility, it’s hard to imagine they’d be set on any of the aforementioned reserve players to slide into the starting outside corner role to take his place.

Anything can happen. If the season were to start tomorrow, we’d all be worried though. Free agency is an option, but Stephon Gilmore, Joe Haden, Chris Harris, and Patrick Peterson are all over 31 years of age. J.C. Jackson and Carlton Davis are among the best free agents available, but they’ll cost a pretty penny.

Let’s look at the top ten cornerbacks available in the coming draft. All of which can slide into the outside cornerback role opposite of Darius Slay on day one of the next regular season. We’re removing Derek Stingley and Ahmad Gardner from the discussion. It appears the Birds won’t have a shot at landing them.