As the NFL draft nears, the Eagles continue to get familiar with some of the top defensive back prospects.
The team on Tuesday is hosting Louisiana State cornerback Jalen Collins, a potential first-round pick, at the NovaCare Complex, according to an NFL source. Every team can host 30 prospects from outside its region during the pre-draft process.
The Eagles, who are replacing three-fourths of last year’s starting secondary, have the 20th overall pick and have examined plenty of college’s best corners and safeties.
The 6-foot-1, 208-pound Collins, an underclassman, has the size and length that Eagles coach Chip Kelly prefers from his outside corners. He clocked a 4.48 in the 40-yard dash in February at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Collins, who started just 10 games at LSU, is considered by scouts and analysts to best fit a man-press scheme, which is what Eagles defensive coordinator Billy Davis runs frequently. NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock has mentioned Collins as someone who’d be a good fit for the Eagles in the first round.
“Fits what Philly does to a T,” Mayock said on a Feb. 16 conference call to preview the combine. “I think Billy Davis would love him. I think Jalen Collins really fits what they do.”
“He’s a press corner, not afraid to play man, jumps up in your face, will tackle, understands how to play the game, has some physicality about him. I think he’s going to be a first-round pick.”
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The Eagles splurged on free-agent cornerback Byron Maxwell and also signed former Oregon corner Walter Thurmond, who played just one game last year with the Giants before tearing his pectoral muscle to end his season. Thurmond can play inside and outside.
Behind them on the Eagles’ depth chart are Brandon Boykin and Nolan Carroll, but both are entering the final years of their contracts. Thurmond is also on a one-year deal, so the Eagles still need to build at cornerback for the future.
Collins is largely viewed as an immensely gifted cornerback who lacks experience and needs to fine-tune his technique and footwork. His best days are probably two or three years down the road.
According to NFL.com, Collins underwent foot surgery in March but is expected to be ready for minicamps.