The final comments before training camp are flowing through the media as the Philadelphia Eagles have their first practice on Wednesday. There might be one player to watch out for in 2025 who could be a difference maker.
ESPN NFL analyst Aaron Schatz, along with two other analysts, ranked the Eagles' lineup as the second-best in the NFL behind the Baltimore Ravens. Schatz named one player, a backup, that he is looking at for the 2025 season: cornerback Kelee Ringo.
"Cornerback Kelee Ringo. Ringo hasn't gotten on the field much since the Eagles took him in the fourth round of the 2023 draft. He played only 10 snaps or more in three games last season. But he has shown promise in limited playing time, with above-average coverage DVOA in both seasons. He has got the physical tools at 6-foot-2 with 4.36 speed, but he's inconsistent. If veteran Adoree' Jackson falters, Ringo could earn the starting spot, replacing Darius Slay."
Ringo can make a difference on the Eagles, but is he really a backup in 2025?
Many people in the media have been saying the same thing about Ringo. He's a popular choice to be a breakout star on the Eagles in 2025 and it's easy to see why: his height.
Standing at 6-foot-2, Ringo has been more of a reserve player on the Eagles with just five starts in his 34 career games. The former fourth-round pick out of Georgia has 36 tackles, three pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, one interception, and a quarterback hit in his career.
Ringo goes into training camp in a position battle with Jackson for the outside cornerback position. Quinyon Mitchell is holding down the other side, and Cooper DeJean will play in the slot, but might also get time on the outside and at safety, depending on the defensive package.
Many people want to see Ringo as the other starting cornerback as his height can help in coverage to go up against the taller receivers. He's the perfect red zone/goal line corner to shut down any passes.
The disadvantage for him is that Ringo just hasn't been consistent enough to earn a starting spot. Jackson has much more experience starting, so he might have the edge in that aspect. The flip side is that Ringo is more experienced in Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's system, so that will give him an advantage.
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Philly is hoping to have either Ringo or Jackson step up in a big way in training camp and claim the starting job. Some might be pulling more for Ringo, though.