The Philadelphia Eagles entered the preseason against Cincinnati poised to solidify their cornerback depth. After an early stumble against Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ offense, that clarity evaporated. Cornerback competition now looks more tangled than ever, as both youth and experience vie for playing time behind standout rookie Quinyon Mitchell.
Preseason Wake-up Call
In the preseason opener, the Eagles’ secondary allowed Joe Burrow and company to slice through with ease—demonstrating clear struggles in coverage and tackling during live game action The ScoreCBSSports.com. That shaky showing hammered home how critical preseason reps are—especially under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who emphasized evaluating tackling and finishing in live scenarios
Depth Slides Into Question
Training camp has spotlighted a heated battle between Adoree’ Jackson and Kelee Ringo for a starting outside corner slot. But neither has firmly seized it Bleeding Green Nation+2Bleeding Green Nation+2. Meanwhile, Eli Ricks has quietly emerged as a dark horse, flashing in coverage drills and catching coaches’ eyes Bleeding Green Nation
Acquiring More Fuel in the Fire
To further stoke the cornerback baMore Uncertainty in Eagles’ CB Competition ttle, the Eagles traded for Jakorian Bennett from the Raiders. At just 24, Bennett brings a strong track record in coverage—in 2024, quarterbacks targeting him posted just a 52.1 passer rating, with zero touchdowns allowed Bleeding Green NationCBSSports.com. He may not be a sure-fire starter, but this low-risk pick-up deepens the room and heightens the competition.
Rookies Holding Strong
Meanwhile, Quinyon Mitchell continues to look like a future lockdown presence. The first-rounder earned praise for shutting down elite receivers during his rookie season and made All-Rookie Team honors Wikipedia. Cooper DeJean, a second-round pick, also made headlines—he’s not only earned All-Rookie honors but even intercepted a pass in the Super Bowl on his birthday Wikipedia
Summary: What It All Means
| Player | Status & Outlook |
| Quinyon Mitchell | Locked-in perimeter starter, rookie successes |
| Cooper DeJean | Versatile, impactful rookie—could even slot in at safety |
| Adoree’ Jackson | Inconsistent; still a major contender but needs polish |
| Kelee Ringo | Young, special-teams asset—but deep-ball issues linger |
| Eli Ricks | Surprise standout in camp; gaining momentum |
| Jakorian Bennett | Trade addition; coverage specialist who adds depth and urgency |
Live preseason action has revealed gaps in the Eagles’ cornerback corps. As training camp continues, that raw exposure could elevate someone like Ricks—or Bennett—into early contention. Meanwhile, DeJean’s flexibility may open opportunities beyond outside corner, and Mitchell remains the anchor in a crowded, unpredictable room.
prove themselves before Week 1 begi
Bottom line: The Eagles’ cornerback race is wide open. From veterans to rookies, every player must