The Philadelphia Eagles missed out on the NFL playoffs this year, thanks in large part to a pass defense that couldn't come up with big stops at important moments, committed far too many stupid penalties and gave up far too many big plays.
With an offense built for speed and scoring, Eagles coach Chip Kelly needs a defense that can come up with turnovers consistently and play a sound, fundamental game that compliments his organizational tempo - a defense that makes enough plays to keep the opponent from holding onto the ball and stick Kelly's 'O' on the sidelines.
The first step to improving a defense that is currently 25th against the pass is upgrading in the back end, namely at cornerback and safety, in the draft (thankfully, Eagles cornerback Bradley Fletcher is in the final year of his deal so there will be some type of addition by subtraction before free agency and the draft even occur).
There doesn't seem to be many high-level safety prospects other than Alabama's Landon Collins, who is sure to go much higher than where the Eagles will most likely select in the first-round.
There are, however, a number of potential cornerback prospects the team could make good use of.
First up, former University of Washington's Marcus Peters.
"Corner is the team's No. 1 need this offseason (as it was last offseason), and Peters, despite some off-field concerns, is the best available corner on the board," writes Jared Sherman of CSNPhilly.com in his first mock draft, where he has Philadelphia drafting 20 overall.
As Joe Kaiser of ESPN notes, however, Peters was dismissed from the program by UW coach Chris Petersen and could carry enough baggage that his stock may slip.
Another prospect the team could look at is Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes.
"What Waynes lacks in size and strength, he makes up for with his easy movement and ability to cover in space," writes ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. "I'd dropped him some because he had an inconsistent stretch, but I watched him closely Saturday against Penn State, and aside from a ticky-tack holding call, he was simply shutting people down. He has good length and can really cover, and now he simply needs to get stronger and be more physical in run support."
Kelly and defensive coordinator Billy Davis are known to like longer, taller cornerbacks who excel in man coverage and have the ability to jam receivers at the line.
If they're to return to the playoffs next season, they'll need to find pieces with which to build through the draft, starting first and foremost with upgrading the talent in their back seven.
