Halfway through the NFL season, the Eagles are currently sitting pretty with three top-15 picks in next year’s draft.

While many speculate that the team will look for another quarterback next offseason, the Eagles would be better served to address the defense.

Veterans Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham, amongst others, aren’t getting any younger and there isn’t a ton of young talent waiting in the wings.

In PFF’ latest mock draft, they have the Eagles selecting their lockdown corner of the future with the #3 overall pick:

3. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (VIA MIA): CB DEREK STINGLEY JR., LSU

“The cornerback spot across from Darius Slay has been an issue for the Eagles this season. With three first-rounders likely at its disposal, Philadelphia should just attack premium positions at the top. Stingley may have played only 154 snaps this year before suffering a foot injury with an indefinite return timetable, but he was the highest-graded cornerback in the country as a true freshman in 2019.“

Stingley — Mel Kiper’s 3rd-best prospect in the country — was ruled out indefinitely last month after undergoing a medical procedure on his left foot.

Widely regarded as the top cornerback in the draft, Stingley has had a prolific career at LSU.

Derek Stingley Jr in single coverage over the last two seasons:
🔒 Grade: 91.8 (1st)
🔒 INTs: 6 (1st) pic.twitter.com/W3nagWX5cI

— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 13, 2021

The Eagles currently have four rookie CBs on the roster, all of which are developmental projects with upside.

However, with current CB1 Darius Slay turning 31 in January and Steven Nelson only on a one-year deal, the Eagles should prioritize finding a franchise corner in the draft.

Nobody knows what Jalen Hurts will be in the NFL; it’s clear he’s not a finished product. Loading up on defense in the draft and relying on the run game will at least give him a chance to develop.

Not to mention the practice matchups between DeVonta Smith and Derek Stingley Jr. would only benefit each other. Iron sharpens iron, as they say.

.@ochocinco rate DeVonta Smith’s release right here 💨 pic.twitter.com/JRjiTeBMol

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) November 10, 2019

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