Ranking potential Eagles cornerback prospects by their 40 times

There's nothing like football. Yeah, we love Major League Baseball and the NBA, but as we move through April, the football junkie that lives in us keeps taking over. Another NFL Draft is on the horizon. The Philadelphia Eagles own eight picks, so home runs can wait so can questions about whether or not the Sixers will ever 'complete the process'.

Every year at this time, we're discussing Philly's secondary for one reason or the other. A pair of aging starters will again play on the outside. Philly addressed many of their roster needs during free agency, but bolstering the secondary was limited to adding familiar faces at safety and slot corner.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson is back. Philly also reacquired Avonte Maddox a few weeks after dismissing him. Fans, however, are hoping for more.

The experts vary on how many of the prospects in the coming NFL Draft should be ranked. Speed isn't everything, but it helps.

Technique, fluid hips, and football IQ are important, but let's be honest. Philly needs to add some young legs to the secondary. This team needs some guys who can run.

If the Eagles look to add a secondary star that can fly, they will have options in the NFL Draft.

Before we go any further, we don't want to make it sound like the Eagles' cupboard is bare. Kelee Ringo seems to be a nice building block. Eli Ricks and Josh Jobe have shown signs, but Kelee, Eli, and Josh Jobe won't spearhead a youth movement alone. The Birds would be wise to add reinforcements. Let's hope that factors into their thinking.

Philly hasn't often addressed the cornerback position early in the draft. Lito Sheppard was the last first-round addition, and recently, their best players have been added by trade or late acquisitions. This draft class, however, has some burners.

Here's a look at some of the fastest 40-yard dash times posted by cornerback prospects that will be available. These are certainly some elite athletes. You can best believe Philly has paid attention.

• Nate Wiggins, Clemson - 4.28
• Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo - 4.33
• Decamerion Richardson, Mississippi State - 4.34
• Nehemiah Pritchett, Auburn - 4.36
• Jarrian Jones, Florida State - 4.38
• Daequan Hardy, Penn State - 4.38
• Deantre Prince, Ole Miss - 4.39
• Max Melton, Rutgers - 4.39
• DJ James, Auburn - 4.42
• Cooper DeJean, Iowa - 4.44
• Elijah Jones, Boston College - 4.44
• Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri - 4.44
  
• M.J. Devonshire, Pittsburgh - 4.45
  
• Willie Drew, Virginia State - 4.46
  
• Marcellas Dial, South Carolina - 4.46
• Javon Bullard - 4.47
  
• Mike Sainristil, Michigan - 4.47
  
• Dwight McGlothern, Arkansas - 4.47
• Johnny Dixon - 4.48
  
• Andru Phillips, Kentucky - 4.48

Now, some of these guys won't hear their names called during the NFL Draft. Some of the guys who will be drafted aren't on this list. As stated earlier, speed isn't the only trait needed, but it is valued.

We'll see how these prospects are valued by the franchises who show interest and if there are any new Eagles among this bunch. It won't be long now. The football world will shift its attention to Detroit and what should be a fascinating draft.

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