Eagles may have a surprise starting corner in former undrafted rookie Eli Ricks

While all eyes are on Kelee Ringo as the presumed heir to one of the Eagles’ outside cornerback spots, don’t sleep on Eli Ricks as a legit dark horse to line up opposite Quinyon Mitchell when the 2025 season kicks off.

Ringo has the build, the 4.3 wheels, and the name recognition. He flashed at times last year in limited action and could absolutely take that next step. But what’s getting overlooked in all the offseason buzz is that Ricks also showed promise when given the chance — and he did it as an undrafted rookie.

I remain a Eli Ricks believer 🤷🏾‍♂️

pic.twitter.com/06qgk3WVcq

— ʟᴇᴇᴍ🦇 (@RunHurts) March 5, 2025

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In 2023, Ricks logged over 300 defensive snaps, the fourth-most among all Eagles corners that year. That number might not jump off the page until you realize he wasn’t even drafted. Since 2012, only one undrafted Eagles rookie defensive player — Cedric Thornton — has played more. And unlike most undrafted guys who get stashed on the practice squad or rotated in for garbage time, the Eagles kept Ricks on the 53-man roster all season. That alone tells you they see something worth developing.

When targeted in coverage, Ricks allowed just 50% of passes to be completed (18-for-36). That was ninth-best among all NFL corners who saw 30+ targets. He did give up some chunk plays (7.3 yards per target, middle of the pack), but considering his age, his inexperience, and the situations he was thrown into, that’s nothing to scoff at.

Eagles cornerback battle could come down to Ricks vs. Ringo

This year’s secondary is going through a reset. Darius Slay is gone. So are Isaiah Rodgers and Avonte Maddox. The Eagles drafted Mitchell in the first-round for a reason, and he’s going to be on the field, along with Cooper DeJean manning the nickel. Vic Fangio isn’t just handing out jobs, so Ringo getting the starting gig is far from a foregone conclusion.

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Eli Ricks has the length, the physicality, and the make-up speed to hang on the outside. He was a blue-chip talent in college before injuries and inconsistent playing time derailed his stock. Now healthy, more comfortable in the system, and still only 23 years old, he’s got as much to gain in training camp as anyone on the roster.

Everyone is penciling in Ringo, and that might end up being the case. But don’t be surprised if Ricks steals some first-team reps and makes this a real battle. After a full year in the building and a front office that clearly believes in him, Eli Ricks might just be the Eagles’ surprise starter nobody saw coming.