Can This Undrafted Cornerback Make The Eagles?
The Philadelphia Eagles did not draft any defensive backs this year, but quickly swiped former Alabama cornerback Josh Jobe right after the draft. Jobe has put together a nice camp and performed well in the preseason. Can this undrafted cornerback make the Eagles?
Josh Jobe’s Game Report
Josh Jobe had a stellar performance against the Browns during the August 21st preseason game. He broke up a pass as the second quarter ended to force a field goal attempt. Jobe led both teams with seven total tackles. His only weakness was that he committed two penalties.
Jobe also performed well in the first preseason game against the Jets. He played a lot of special teams and had five tackles in the game.
Jobe’s College Resume
Jobe brings quite a resume for someone who went undrafted. He was a member of Alabama’s 2020 National Championship team. That year he had 55 tackles, two sacks, and eleven pass breakups. Jobe returned to Alabama in 2021 to be the starting corner again but missed time due to injury. He finished the 2021 season with 38 tackles, four pass break ups, and two interceptions. Jobe missed the playoff run due to foot surgery but seems to have fully recovered.
Alabama recruits the best of the best, but Jobe still had to compete to be a starter there. He compares trying to make the Eagles to his college training camps. “It is similar to my time at Alabama. I had to compete with other guys when I came in. It has not been different. I just have to do what I have to do.”
It seems that Josh Jobe brings the right attitude to Philadelphia and has the playing experience to back it up. He just has a crowded Eagles’ secondary to compete against.
Eagles’ Situation At Corner
The Eagles have a pretty elite starting cornerback duo in Darius Slay and James Bradberry. Slay led the Eagles in interceptions last year and made the Pro Bowl. Bradberry is a former New York Giant and Carolina Panther, so he has plenty of experience. The Eagles are expected go with Avonte Maddox in the slot again. Maddox has been with the Eagles since getting drafted in 2018 and had his most productive season last year.
If Jobe is going to make the team, it would have to be as a reserve. The Eagles have 2021 draft pick Zech McPhearson who played a lot of special teams last year. They also have Josiah Scott who was originally drafted by the Jaguars before coming to Philadelphia in 2021. Scott has 23 career tackles through two seasons of work. Jobe does not have the NFL experience like these guys but has outperformed them this summer.
Mario Goodrich, Kary Vincent, Andre Chachere, and Tay Gowan are other names to watch. These guys have provided competition to make the roster but are likely practice squad candidates at best.
In Conclusion
It is great to see an undrafted player like Josh Jobe provide the Eagles’ plenty of competition at corner. He came in with an outside shot at making the team’s roster, but his performance shows he deserves a spot on the team. The Eagles seem to be in good shape at the position but depth behind their starters is always a good thing. The Eagles will need to have their 53-man roster finalized by August 30th.
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