Draft picks play a crucial role in the NFL realm. And for a team to capitalize on the same is to strike gold. That is exactly what the Philadelphia Eagles have been able to accomplish this season through their defensive backs. Initially criticized for their ‘too-old and slow’ secondary, the linebackers coach D. K. McDonald has managed to infuse new blood into the Eagles’ roster.

Looking at the stats, according to NFL Rookie Watch, undoubtedly McDonald’s picks have paid off big time. The triumvirate of Sydney Brown, Kelee Ringo, and Eli Ricks dominated the Eagles’ defense this season and even though it was their rookie year, they put up a great performance and contributed greatly to the Eagles’ 10-4 score so far.

Rookies dominate the Eagles defense, thanks to D. K. McDonald’s picks

NFL Rookie Watch took to X to share, “The Eagles HIT on every single rookie DB they acquired through the 2023 NFL Draft class.” Starting from Sydney Brown, the user mentioned that he is 66th overall. Additionally, he has 21 targets, has allowed 19 receptions, and has two passes defended. Next on the list was Kelee Ringo.

According to the tweet, the player boasts 4 targets, allowed 2 receptions, and 1 PD. In the game against the Dallas Cowboys, which the Eagles lost, Ringo played well on special teams and has shown improvement with each. The two Defensive Backs were drafted one round from each other.

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While Brown came from Illinois, Ringo was a Georgia product. And both bring an athleticism to the Eagles’ secondary which has not been seen in quite some time. Another rising DB from the Phillys side has been Eli Ricks. His numbers have allowed him catch the attention of many professionals and experts.

In fact, the 22-year-old is known for his versatility on the gridiron and his ability to adapt to different roles. Due to Darius Slay’s knee injury, he has been asked to take on the role of cornerback. And it seems that he is thriving in his new position. So far, he has 23 receptions and has just allowed 158 yards with a passer rating of 88.7.

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With the presence of these three in the team, the Eagles are likely to improve their defense. It is only a matter of time before these young talents are witnessed taking on the starting roles in the team, that will ultimately prove a challenge for the opponents.

Can Brown and Ringo become the starting DBs in the next season?

While Brown had the opportunity to play 173 defensive snaps before the Sunday game, for Ringo, it was his first since Week 14. But it didn’t go as well as he would have hoped. The 21-year-old DB was locked in man-to-man coverage against veteran Brandin Cooks. When QB Dak Prescott lobbed a pass toward Cooks, not only was Ringo unable to stop it, but the refs also called a pass interference and a face mask.

But the young player only seemed determined enough to learn. He acknowledged his shortcomings and told reporters, “I feel like I just need to continue to improve myself day in and day out and everything else will fall in place.” Brown, on the other hand, sustained an injury early in the season and because of that, the team showed some reluctance to let him see more playtime.

Even in the first six weeks that he played, the defensive play callers have had some trouble fitting him into their schemes. With just three games remaining in the season so far, will the three rookies manage to impress the coach enough for them to get to start next season? What do you think? Let us know in the comments!

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