3 NFL Draft errors the Philadelphia Eagles have to stop repeating

The Eagles ignore cornerbacks in Round 1 about as often as they ignore linebackers.

We’ve been discussing the Eagles’ lack of respect for the linebacker position for quite some time now. Seemingly always a need, you’re well aware of what we’re about to say. Philadelphia hasn’t taken one in Round 1 since the 1979 draft when Jerry Robinson was the choice. Why is it that we don’t talk about their negligence in correcting the secondary with the same disdain?

Look over the list of the Eagles’ first-round draft choices and you’ll find three defensive backs: Lito Sheppard in 2002, Ben Smith in 1990, and Roynell Young in 1980. That’s it. That’s the list.

With a huge need at the position a year ago, they waited until Round 4 to take one, Zech McPhearson. We’ve also seen a new trend recently, adding cornerbacks after the draft. They traded for Ronald Darby post-draft in 2017. They added Steven Nelson in July of 2021.

If you’re wondering why you aren’t pleased with what you’re getting from the secondary, that would be the reason. Rumor has it that Derek Stingley could fall to the Eagles at 15. It’s also been said that the Eagles should consider packaging picks to move up and take Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner. We wouldn’t advise that. The team has too many holes, but we can see the argument.

The long and the short of everything is this. The Lito Sheppard/Sheldon Brown combination was great, but it was a long time ago. The Troy Vincent/Bobby Taylor combo dates even further back. The Birds must upgrade the secondary, but the way they’re doing it isn’t working.

Darius Slay has some peak years left, but he’s getting up there in age. It’s time to get him and Avonte Maddox some help, and the Eagles would be wise to invest early draft capital to make that happen.