Mandatory OTAs are underway for the Philadelphia Eagles this week, and it's a massive opportunity for a lot of players to step up to the plate and prove their worth.
While the offense will get all the attention with the changes that came on that side of the ball, the secondary is a fascinating group that fans should also monitor. Specifically at cornerback, where no one might be looking since Riq Woolen, Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean look like the clear-cut starters.
There is depth at the position, as Eagles fans try to figure out who will make the roster from this deep group. One player might be more interesting than the other as he tries to prove that, despite being new to Philly, he can still start for any team.
Jonathan Jones has something to prove at OTAs
Jones signed with the Eagles this offseason on a one-year deal with the hopes of potentially giving either Woolen some competition or at least the depth at cornerback that is needed. Last season with the Washington Commanders, Jones racked up 41 tackles, five pass deflections, one tackle for loss, and one quarterback hit in 12 games.
Through the first two weeks of Eagles OTAs, it has become clear that Woolen might be a lock at CB2 with Mitchell and DeJean obviously the other starters. That means that Jones has to compete with guys like Kelee Ringo, Jakorian Bennett, Mac McWilliams, Ambry Thomas, and Tariq Castro-Fields.
While Ringo, Bennett, and McWilliams have experience with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's defensive scheme, Jones is going to have a chance to battle for the backup job against them. Jones has years of experience as a starter with the Commanders and New England Patriots and knows how to win at a high level.
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This is not going to be an easy OTA period or training camp for Jones over the next few months, as he starts over from scratch to prove something to the team. It may take some time for him to get his reps, but he could end up being a valuable asset to the Eagles as depth at cornerback is desperately needed after what happened last year.
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