The Philadelphia Eagles have made sweeping changes at cornerback this season. Sophomore cornerback Kelee Ringo is going to play a significantly larger role in 2024. Ringo should enjoy a breakout campaign in a revamped secondary.
Philadelphia's defensive backfield was a complete mess last season. They allowed a 31st-ranked 252.7 yards per contest. General manager Howie Roseman has spent the offseason addressing the problem.
Philadelphia's coaching staff has been holding an open competition at training camp for the boundary cornerback spot opposite Darius Slay. That role was held by James Bradberry last season. Bradberry has spent the offseason making the position switch to safety, a change the Eagles hope will further delay his decline.
The main competitors in the cornerback positional battle are Ringo and Isaiah Rodgers. They’re listed as co-starters on the Eagles’ first unofficial depth chart release of the season. That insinuates a tight-knit battle.
First Eagles first team defense, Day 8:
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) August 5, 2024
Isaiah Rodgers at CB (his 4th straight, 5 days to Kelee Ringo’s 3.)
Zack Baun and Devin White at LB (8 straight days for them).
Ringo played a very limited role as a fourth-round rookie for the Eagles throughout 2023. Ringo began being a factor in Week 14 when he earned 22 defensive snaps. The former Georgia standout remained heavily involved the rest of the way, accounting for between 52% and 81% of their weekly snaps in each game.
Pro Football Focus credited Ringo with allowing five receptions on nine targets for 61 yards and one touchdown. Interestingly, Ringo was barely targeted despite playing consistent snaps down the stretch. He also had an interception, a pass breakup, and limited opposing quarterbacks to a lackluster passer rating of 74.1.
Rodgers poses the biggest threat to Ringo's hopes of claiming a starting gig this season. Rodgers' pathway has been a controversial one. He was suspended for the entire 2023 season for violating the league's gambling policy. He signed with the Eagles after the Indianapolis Colts released him from his contract, and the league reinstated him earlier this April.
Vic Fangio said he hopes the choice for starting CB becomes clear and obvious.
— Thomas R. Petersen (@thomasrp93) July 30, 2024
But right now, Kelee Ringo, Isaiah Rodgers, and Quinyon Mitchell are all making plays in practice and given 1st team reps.
Seems like a good problem with a terrific training camp battle.#Eagles pic.twitter.com/rZsU4nIFxj
Ringo and Rodgers have been equally impressive throughout training camp. Philadelphia's upcoming three preseason games could help determine which of these ascending cornerbacks starts opposite Slay. The Eagles should feel great about their depth at the position going into the season.
Notably, two rookies haven't factored into this position battle. The Eagles selected former Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell with the No. 22 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite playing outside in college, Mitchell has seen a lot of reps as the nickel corner in recent practice sessions. He could push Avonte Maddox for his role in the slot.
Who won the rep? AJ or Q? pic.twitter.com/UcTD08eaIJ
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) July 31, 2024
Second-round rookie Cooper DeJean has been rehabbing from a hamstring injury. He currently remains on the NFI (non-football injury) list. DeJean is expected to play a versatile hybrid role when he returns and won't immediately factor into the starting cornerback competition.
New defensive coordinator Vic Fangio should be thrilled with the young talent at his disposal at the position. Fangio possesses a legendary defensive mind that has coached some all-time great defensive backs. Ringo and his teammates will benefit from his presence this season.
Ringo is currently showcasing sophomore growth. He's going to play a sizable role for the Eagles this season. Ringo's on the verge of a breakout performance.
