Eagles Rookie Predicted to Be a Dark Horse Candidate to Win Starting Job

When it comes to the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense, the rich keep getting richer. Talent is everywhere, and the likes of Jalen Carter and Zack Baun are already household names.

But that’s not all.

After another busy offseason, the Eagles look poised to reload at a few spots. With competitions set to unfold in training camp, NJ.com’s Cayden Steele reports that rookie cornerback Dacarrion “Mac” McWilliams is making a strong first impression.

“This season’s biggest surprise could be fifth-rounder Mac McWilliams, who has strung together a good week and earned (defensive coordinator Vic) Fangio’s praise,” Steele wrote. “The undersized cornerback (5-10, 191 pounds), who has taken most of his reps at nickel, is feisty and quick.”

As such, Steele believes that McWilliams could be poised for a big role in the Philadelphia secondary, perhaps eventually even as a starter.

Where Did Mac McWilliams Play in College?

McWilliams began his collegiate career at UAB before transferring in 2024 to UCF, where as a fifth-year senior he had 32 tackles, seven tackles for loss, one interception and one forced fumble in 11 games.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein touted McWilliams’ physicality and coverage abilities in his pre-draft scouting report, calling him a “tenacious cornerback whose 2024 tape helped spotlight his toughness and short-area athleticism. … He plays with anticipation and burst to swarm the top of the route from his pedal and is quick to pounce on zone throws.”

After impressive performances at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, McWilliams was drafted in the fifth round, 145th overall.

Early reviews out of Eagles camp have been positive, with Fangio praising his intangibles.

“I think he’s got good skill,” Fangio said via NBC Sports Philadelphia,” and he’s got a little football savvy to him, which if you don’t have that, it’s hard to coach that.”

Mac McWilliams Could Potentially Start for Eagles

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane, McWilliams did not practice Friday because of a quad issue.

Despite that, McWilliams is shaping up to get quality snaps at cornerback behind Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.

In fact, Steele suggested that McWilliams may even eventually become a starter if others falter.

“It might not happen early in the season,” Steele wrote, “but at some point, McWilliams could receive defensive snaps, potentially replacing (Kelee) Ringo or (Adoree) Jackson — if they struggle. He could also start at nickel in a scenario where the Eagles move DeJean to the boundary.”