As is tradition with the Eagles’ front office, they submitted a trade just before the 4:00 PM deadline. I still don’t know how these last-minute trades come together.

The Eagles had a week to prep and call teams to gauge interest in players and attempt to reach a middle ground. Deals like this always blow my mind because either they were talking about a trade for Kary Vincent Jr. all day and landed on this particular pick, or it could’ve been a quick trigger “Plan B” deal that simply came across their desk.

Regardless of the semantics, the Eagles are loading their secondary with young late-round talent with the hopes that one or two players end up in a significant future role. The sixth-round pick acquired from Zach Ertz, Tay Gowan, looked promising when tested in coverage, albeit it was during garbage time. The UCF product plays outside cornerback while Kary Vincent Jr. primarily plays in the slot (sometimes at safety for LSU).

A dual-sport superstar from Port Arthur Memorial High School, located just outside of Houston, Kary Vincent dominated as a cornerback while achieving a decorated track-and-field career. After winning back-to-back state titles in the 200 meters, his 20.71 split ranked number one in the nation.

The Houston native possesses actual track-and-field speed as he joined the LSU track team along with his football commitment. The speedster ended up winning gold as a sophomore in the 100 meters (10.07), the second-fastest time in that season. But how does he perform on the football field?

Vincent Jr’s track speed stands out in his coverage as a three-year starter in the slot while also filling in at safety for the LSU Tigers. He has next-level quick feet and can break on any ball in a split second, usually beating the ball to the receiver. During LSU’s championship season, the nickel back finished with the 2nd most interceptions (4) behind Derek Stingley Jr (6) while allowing the 2nd lowest yards per reception amongst that entire secondary (12.6).

Despite his speed and elite athleticism, the 5-10 185 pound cornerback is not the most willing tackler and struggles to shed blocks on outside screens/runs. His play strength is average for his size, but Kary needs work on his route recognition and turning his head on deep balls.

Vincent Jr opted out of the 2020 season and has yet to play an NFL snap. The raw talent is there for the former LSU product, given his track background and terrific footwork. Kary Vincent Jr adds another versatile young secondary player with a high athletic ceiling despite his size.

Ultimately, it comes down to Jonathan Gannon and Eagles defensive backs coach, Dennard Wilson, to develop Vincent’s raw skills and improve his tackling technique and ability to recognize route combinations.

Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports