Philadelphia Eagles' third-year cornerback makes case for 53-man roster spot in front of 50,000 fans

Right now, the Philadelphia Eagles do not have an obvious answer at starting outside cornerback opposite Quinyon Mitchell.

In fact, they even traded the Las Vegas Raiders for Jakorian Bennett after Kelee Ringo and Adoree Jackson struggled to impress early.

That means the job is up for anyone, and third-year corner Eli Ricks could be in the mix as well.

According to multiple reports, Ricks has been having a great training camp and added to it during Sunday's public practice in front of 50,000 fans.

"The second team was up during a scenario where the offense was pinned back on its own 1-yard line. On the snap, quarterback Tanner McKee looked straight toward receiver Terrace Marshall for a quick out to the left sideline, but Eli Ricks was already way ahead of the play," The Philly Voice's Nick Tricome said. "The cornerback jumped in front of the route, plucked the pass out of the air, and ran it the short distance back to the end zone for the pick six, punting the ball up into the sky in celebration as soon as he broke the plane."

Ricks originally joined the Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2023 after playing college ball at LSU and Alabama. Following a strong training camp and preseason, Ricks ultimately earned himself a spot on the Eagles' 53-man roster. As rookie, Ricks appeared in 16 games, recording 19 total tackles (including one for loss) and three passes defended.

His numbers took a dip last fall, mainly due to the fact that the Birds targeted their secondary needs and drafted cornerbacks Cooper DeJean and Mitchell ahead of the 2024 season. Ricks played in just seven games, primarily contributing on special teams, and finished the year with two tackles.

Ricks will need to finish training camp and preseason strong, but the odds are in his favor if he keeps making big plays.