At times last season, the second boundary cornerback situation for the Philadelphia Eagles played out like a game musical chairs, as the coaching staff tried to resolve a sore spot that was being systematically picked apart by opposing offensive coordinators.
If there's a weak link within a defense, especially in a passing league chock-full of lethal offensive playmakers, teams will smell blood in the proverbial water, attacking early and often. And as both inconsistent play and injuries tested the players surrounding the star duo of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, general manager Howie Roseman set out to address the issue.
Despite two additions, depth uncertainty remains
With the arriival of Riq Woolen, the top three corner spots are sealed air tight. And the stealth move made by Roseman to usher in veteran Jonathan Jones should help address the No. 4 spot on the depth chart.
However, a closer look at the overall numbers at corner shows there are still pressing uncertainties for players that must prove they are capable of performing well if called upon, and truly built for the long haul in Philadelphia.
Backups fighting for roster security
Jakorian Bennett
With the since-departed Adoree' Jackson struggling in the early stages of last season, Roseman made the call to land Bennett from the Raiders. The move went anything but swimmingly, as Bennett was targeted and toasted far too frequently when thrust into action. Bennett has to show tangible improvements to remain on the 53-man roster.
Mac McWilliams
A fifth-round selection with a tenacity and work ethic that drew rave reviews last summer, his progression seemingly hit a wall, with the UAB corner now embarking on a critical second campaign. Fangio used McWilliams sparingly, even as injuries hit the Eagles at different points last season.
That trust must be earned to show he's a long-term piece in this Birds secondary.
Kelee Ringo
For Ringo, the expectations emerging from the college ranks were the loftiest of the three listed here. The Georgia alum has size and speed in spades, but lapses in concentration, anticipation, and puzzling inconsistency have all but negated his physical attributes on gamedays.
At this point, he has also had the most audition time amongst this group, and the results have been downright underwhelming. It could be last call for Ringo in Philadelphia in the coming weeks, as the third-year corner has to dial in -- and finally cash in -- on his vast physical gifts.
Time to show and prove
In a league where you can never have enough good corners, where strength in numbers can suddenly prove to be essential on any given snap, the backups must be capable of answering the call. Ringo, Bennett, and McWilliams each have strong college tape, and in Bennett's case, he's performed at a high level in NFL action while in Vegas.
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It's go time for this trio, and a fight for roster security looms in the dog days of summer. At a certain point, potential must turn into consistent production, or each could face an exit from Philadelphia.
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