Eagles’ Slay Named One of ESPN’s Top 10 Cornerbacks for 2021

One area of concern when it comes to the Philadelphia Eagles 2021 season is who will play opposite Darius Slay at cornerback.

The Eagles have a plethora of guys currently to play the position, but none of them have much of a resume. While that doesn't mean they can't step in and surprise, if the team can land an experienced corner and pair him with Slay, the position could be a position of strength.

That's because of Slay.

ESPN.com asked more than 50 league executives, coaches, scouts and players to help rank the top 10 players at 11 different positions, including cornerback.

Earlier this week they ranked the interior defensive lineman with Fletcher Cox coming in at No. 5 on the list. Now it's Slay's turn to represent the Eagles in the Top 10, coming in at No. 9 on this years list.

Most teams agree Slay isn't a top-five guy anymore, but they do expect a bounce-back year after an uneven first season in Philadelphia.

"When he's high-motor, he's dangerous," an NFC coach said. "When something goes wrong or if he's in a funk, he can be a liability."

Pro Football Focus moved Slay outside of the top-20 corners for 2021 after producing a 62.9 rating last season. He also failed to crack the top 20 in completion percentage allowed as the nearest defender. But he has plenty of pedigree with 20 interceptions and 110 pass deflections, and he should have at least one more high-level year left.

"Philly didn't exactly help him last year," an AFC scout said. "They put him on an island and he probably didn't have enough support."

Slay was the highest ranked NFC East corner, with no other NFC East player ranked in the Top 10. Two players, Washington's William Jackson and New York's James Bradbury both received honorable mention.

Slay recently sent out a tweet trying to lure former Steelers corner Steven Nelson to wear the midnight green and if that happens, the Eagles could have a solid tandem.