Eagles in Need of a Late-Bloomer at Cornerback, Defensive Lineman
For a team as strong as the Philadelphia Eagles, it's surprising that they're still on the hunt for key upgrades. At 6-2 and second in the NFC standings, they've already proven themselves to be one of the top teams in the league. However, like any contender, there are areas where they can improve.
When considering potential trade deadline targets, versatility is a valuable trait that the Eagles often look for. Cornerback Alontae Taylor checks this box with ease. A second-round pick by the Saints in 2022, Taylor has played in 55 games with 44 starts to his name. His speed and agility make him an attractive option on the outside, while his ability to run defenders is a bonus.
Data from Mockdraftable.com shows that the Eagles' current cornerbacks tend to be faster, but less agile. Taylor's performance in 2024 – 89 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 16 pass breakups – suggests he can contribute immediately.
On the defensive line front, Calais Campbell is a mercenary who has been moving from team-to-team on one-year deals. Despite his age (38), Campbell remains productive, with PFF grading him as the 7th best defensive lineman in the NFL last season. He's versatile enough to play both on the edge and interior.
The Eagles could use more depth at both spots, making Campbell a shrewd target for a late third-round pick.
In contrast, Evan Neal is a first-round bust who has been a healthy scratch every week this season. While he had potential as a rookie, his development under Jeff Stoutland has stalled. The Eagles might be able to snag Neal cheaply in 2026 if they're willing to take a chance on him.
Ultimately, the key to success lies in finding players who can make an immediate impact without breaking the bank. With Taylor and Campbell as potential targets, the Eagles are taking shots at late-bloomers who could prove valuable in the long run.
For a team as strong as the Philadelphia Eagles, it's surprising that they're still on the hunt for key upgrades. At 6-2 and second in the NFC standings, they've already proven themselves to be one of the top teams in the league. However, like any contender, there are areas where they can improve.
When considering potential trade deadline targets, versatility is a valuable trait that the Eagles often look for. Cornerback Alontae Taylor checks this box with ease. A second-round pick by the Saints in 2022, Taylor has played in 55 games with 44 starts to his name. His speed and agility make him an attractive option on the outside, while his ability to run defenders is a bonus.
Data from Mockdraftable.com shows that the Eagles' current cornerbacks tend to be faster, but less agile. Taylor's performance in 2024 – 89 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 16 pass breakups – suggests he can contribute immediately.
On the defensive line front, Calais Campbell is a mercenary who has been moving from team-to-team on one-year deals. Despite his age (38), Campbell remains productive, with PFF grading him as the 7th best defensive lineman in the NFL last season. He's versatile enough to play both on the edge and interior.
The Eagles could use more depth at both spots, making Campbell a shrewd target for a late third-round pick.
In contrast, Evan Neal is a first-round bust who has been a healthy scratch every week this season. While he had potential as a rookie, his development under Jeff Stoutland has stalled. The Eagles might be able to snag Neal cheaply in 2026 if they're willing to take a chance on him.
Ultimately, the key to success lies in finding players who can make an immediate impact without breaking the bank. With Taylor and Campbell as potential targets, the Eagles are taking shots at late-bloomers who could prove valuable in the long run.
the eagles need to fortify their secondary ASAP 
2024 stats for alontae taylor show he's a game-changer - speed + agility = nightmare for opposing QBs 
and the eagles need depth ASAP
, and his speed and agility would make him an asset on the outside cornerbacks. Plus, he's relatively affordable compared to other top corners in the league 
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. He may be 38, but he's still productive and can play both edge and interior positions 
. The Eagles could get him for a steal with a late third-round pick 
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... but also Evan Neal is like a total bust lol what's up with that guy 
... gotta say i'm loving the eagles' moves tho, always on the lookout for those hidden gems 
... Campbell is like 38 and still killing it, props to him 
like what's wrong with their current team? alontae taylor seems cool tho, got skills and all that 
but i dunno if it's worth giving up a draft pick for him... and calais campbell is old, 38?! 
doesn't he think about retiring already? anywayz, evan neal was supposed 2 be the next big thing, now he's just a healthy scratch 
It's like, what even is the point of having a great roster if you're gonna be worried about those little things? 
. and calais campbell is another guy who could bring some depth to the defensive line, he's not getting any younger but he's still productive 
. and yeah evan neal was supposed to be a game changer but it seems like he's just not living up to expectations 
. anyway, i think the eagles are taking a smart approach by targeting players who can make an immediate impact without breaking the bank 
. It's like the NFL is this crazy rollercoaster of surprises every year. The Eagles need guys who can step in and make a difference without breaking the bank 
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. And Campbell, man... 38 and still getting it done 
. I love that he's playing like a mercenary on one-year deals, no loyalty required. The Eagles need to start thinking about building for the future, not just this season 
. Guess we'll see what happens in 2026 if they do decide to take a chance on him 
. I'd love to see him join the team ASAP. And yeah, Calais Campbell is definitely still got it at 38! 
. As for Evan Neal, I'm not sure what happened to that first-round pick 