Pair of Young Eagles’ Corners Turning Heads at OTA’s

Howie Roseman took a gamble by taking Sidney Jones in the second-round in the 2017 NFL Draft. The cornerback out of Washington had a major injury, a torn Achilles which cost him all but one game of his rookie season.

But now's he ready to play and contribute, an after slipping to the second round of last year's draft, he's ready to prove he is a first-round talent and is showing that during the Eagles OTA's according to Albert Breeer over at MMQB.

Second-year CB Sidney Jones has turned heads early on in OTAs, showing the ability that had him pegged as a top-20 pick before he tore his Achilles ahead of the 2017 draft.

 

You have to understand, the players are doing drills, but they’re not in pads.  So while he does look good so far, part of it could be all the time he spent learning from the sideline last season.

"I think the mental preparation sitting in the meetings meant a lot," Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said. 'But also just being on the sidelines and traveling with the team. But I think that experience of being around the guys and being on the sideline will help him this year also."

In the offseason, the Eagles lost some players on defense including their nickle back, Patrick Robinson, who signed with the Saints. Schwartz said, “First of all, corners have to be able to play the nickel. A lot of their nickel technique is when the wide receivers are over in the slot formations anyway. So that's part of their learning process is learning those techniques. But, again, be able to be multi-dimensional, have a lot of different looks in there.”

So while Jones looks like he has the talent to land on the outside, he might work on the inside with a deep and talented Eagles defensive backfield.

Another players turning heads at OTA's, per Breer, is former undrafted free agent, DeVante Bausby, who also has been getting reps in the slot. The kid was one of the fastest guys back in the 2016 draft class, coming out of Division II Pittsburgh State.

And young journeyman De’Vante Bausby’s been a bit of a revelation at corner too, making for good competition at that spot ahead of training camp.

"He's a competitive player," Schwartz explained about the 25-year old.. "He did a really good job for us on the scout teams last year. He was ready to play for us last year if need be. He did a great job not just on the practice field but in the meeting room, being up on the game plan.

"He's a very, very competitive player. He's got good size, but his competitiveness stands out. You guys will see that."