Eagles Film Review: Mac McWilliams could be an Avonte Maddox replacement

With the 2025 NFL Draft over, it’s time for some movie rooms on the Philadelphia Eagles’ rookie class. I’ll attempt to get to all 10 draft picks and the UDFAs over the following few weeks. A great deal of scouting studies will say very related issues, so I’ve tried to incorporate movie clips to again up all the pieces and I’ll discuss concerning the participant’s match with the Eagles on the finish of the piece. I managed to get the All22 for a number of rookies, however I can’t share these clips on my Twitter accounts (or I threat getting blocked), so I’ve used a number of different accounts right here. Let’s go!

You’ll be able to take a look at my podcast feed right here to listen to extra from me. I’ve a Patreon linked to my podcast if you wish to help me additional. Resulting from being unable to share All22 on Twitter, I’m doing All22 watch-alongs on each Eagles’ rookie on the Patreon, which is actually cool!

Beforehand: Jihaad Campbell / Andrew Mukuba / Ty Robinson

I normally publish particular clips, however there aren’t many for Mac McWilliams on Twitter, so if you need movie, I like to recommend this video, which has a variety of what I’m speaking about!

I’ve watched 3 All22 video games (Colorado, Iowa State & TCU) and could have video games up on my Patreon if you’re !

Strengths

+ Actually fast and agile, with sufficient lengthy pace to hold vertical routes. His pace and quickness make him nice in each man and zone protection, as he alters route nicely.

+ He has expertise taking part in outdoors and slot nook and is snug in a number of coverages.

+ He performs with good method and didn’t commit a penalty in 2024. He’s affected person in protection and doesn’t attempt to make splash performs on a regular basis, which makes him dependable.

+ He’s lively in run help, and his play within the slot has helped him develop this, as he has expertise being part of a staff’s run match. He had 7 tackles for loss and a sack in 2024.

+ He’s a former receiver who performs the ball nicely within the air. He’s sturdy on the catch level when he will get his palms on the soccer.

+ His movie is sweet. He’s higher than a Fifth-round cornerback and fell attributable to his bodily profile and dimension (presumably attributable to his harm historical past too) fairly than his on-field expertise.

+ A few of his reps on the Senior Bowl had been excellent! Simply have a look at this. You’ll be able to see the quickness and fluidity in these clips.

+ I might need issues about his dimension on the surface (extra on that later) however he doesn’t!

+ Performed in particular groups protection and was a productive punt returner (11.6 yards/return).

Weaknesses

– He’s quick with below-average arm and hand dimension. I do know he had versatility in school, however I wrestle to see him as an outdoor cornerback along with his present profile. If he does play outdoors, he’s going to have a tricky time towards lengthy and bodily receivers. That is evident when taking a look at his MockDraftable profile:

– Regardless of being a former receiver, he solely had 2 interceptions and a couple of go breakups in 2024. That is partly attributable to his size. He can get outmatched in jump-ball or contested catch conditions.

– He’ll wrestle to press longer receivers if he’s requested to press. His arms received’t be lengthy sufficient to get his palms on a receiver, and longer receivers will have the ability to preserve him off their chest.

– He’s very aggressive in run help, however typically struggles to wrap up. As soon as once more, his dimension and arm size might trigger points right here.

– Missed a number of video games over three separate seasons attributable to numerous accidents.

General

Mac McWilliams is a fast, aggressive, clever cornerback with the instruments to stay round. I mentioned this earlier, however his movie is healthier than a Fifth-round choose. I believe he fell as a result of NFL groups are involved about whether or not his dimension can translate to the following stage, which is a good concern to have! There’s a world the place McWilliams doesn’t make it within the NFL as a result of he isn’t bodily adequate. Nevertheless, I believe he’s quick, twitchy, and reveals nice footwork, which ought to allow him to stay round. His worth on particular groups ought to assist him make the roster, too.

I believe his dimension and lack of ball manufacturing restrict his ceiling as a full-time outdoors nook, however that doesn’t imply he can’t play outdoors. I’d fortunately let McWilliams work as a slot and out of doors nook in coaching camp. There is no such thing as a purpose to place McWilliams right into a field early on and say that he needs to be an outdoor nook or a slot nook. Let him be taught each positions.

For the following couple of years, I see McWilliams as the last word ‘subsequent man up’ participant who can are available and substitute Cooper DeJean if he will get harm or take reps on the surface if one thing occurs to the starters. He ought to take the Avonte Maddox function this season. He might in the end be adequate to develop right into a beginning cornerback in a few years, however for now, I see him as a really dependable backup who can play in various positions. If I needed to let him develop full-time someplace, I believe his future will likely be as a slot nook. I believe he’s an intriguing prospect who may very well be a precious piece for this Eagles’ protection over the following few years.

Thanks for studying! I’d love to listen to your ideas, so be at liberty to remark under and ask any questions. In case you loved this piece, you’ll find extra of my work and podcast right here.