Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles need another cornerback with second-round pick

By Bruce Ewing | Last updated 4/26/24

On Thursday night, Quinyon Mitchell became the first cornerback to be drafted by the Eagles in the first round since Lito Sheppard in 2002. That year, the team used their first three picks on defensive backs, something they should consider in 2024.

Philadelphia’s 2002 secondary was sufficient with Pro Bowl players like Troy Vincent, Bobby Taylor, and Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins. But that didn’t stop them from loading the defensive backfield.

The team selected Colorado safety Michael Lewis with their second-round pick. In the third round, they took cornerback Sheldon Brown. Collectively, Sheppard, Lewis, and Brown spent 20 years in Philadelphia, but both Taylor and Vincent were off the team by the 2004 season.

For the first time since 2002, the Eagles used a first-round pick on a cornerback: Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell.

And now, at pick No. 22, Mitchell becomes the first defensive back selected in this draft.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 26, 2024

Darius Slay and James Bradberry are both in their thirties. Adding talent to the position makes more sense now than 22 years ago.

Mitchell will be a big help, but he can’t do it alone. Philadelphia’s 25.2 points per game allowed were the third-most in 2023, and their 4,296 passing yards were the second-most in the NFL. Slay and Bradberry were there for all of them, which should be reason enough to add another cornerback.

Talented players like Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry and Iowa’s Cooper DeJean are still available. Either would look great opposite Mitchell but neither will be there when the Eagles pick at No. 50. Of course, Philadelphia also owns the 53rd pick. Would both picks be enough to get them to the top of the second round?

The Tennessee Titans own the sixth pick in the second round (38) but don’t have a third-round pick. They might be willing to trade down for two picks in the round. If so, Philadelphia must find out before the draft resumes on Friday night.

More must-reads: