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NFL analyst Ryan Fowler reported the Philadelphia Eagles met with a prospect that shares similarities to cornerback Quinyon Mitchell.
Just about every pundit would probably agree that the biggest need for the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason is not cornerback. But it’s likely a lot of Eagles fans would accept the team drafting another cornerback if he becomes the next Quinyon Mitchell.
Fansided’s Inside the Iggles’s Anthony Miller presented that scenario while discussing a draft prospect the Eagles met with this past week.
NFL and college football analyst Ryan Fowler reported Friday the Eagles held a virtual discussion with Toledo defensive back Andre Fuller. The meeting occurred ahead of a top-30 visit Fuller will have with the Detroit Lions this week.
“He recently met at length virtually with the Philadelphia Eagles,” wrote Fowler on X. “Who have had multiple contacts with the first-team All-MAC selection during the pre-draft process.”
Source: Toledo DB Andre Fuller has a 30 visit scheduled with the Detroit Lions next week.
Additionally, he recently met at length virtually with the Philadelphia Eagles who have had multiple contacts with the first-team All-MAC selection during the pre-draft process.
A day after Fowler’s report, Miller proposed Fuller could be the next Mitchell.
“Fuller appears to be a Day 2 or 3 pick that the Eagles could consider for the secondary. In recent years, between Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Andrew Mukuba, Philly has done a great job of finding good talent in the secondary to develop and grow within the team,” wrote Miller.
“At the NFL Combine, Fuller ran a 4.49-second 40-yard dash, a vertical of 35 inches, and a 1.56-second 10-yard split. He put up good numbers compared to the rest of the defensive backs; he might not have been the fastest, but he showed strong abilities in the workout.
“There are some bigger needs for the Eagles than at cornerback in the draft, and they might look at other options like offensive tackle, edge rusher, and safety before going in other directions. Fuller might be too good to pass up on if they get into the later rounds and he is still available.”
Could Andre Fuller Be the Next Quinyon Mitchell?
GettyNFL analyst Ryan Fowler reported the Philadelphia Eagles met with a prospect that shares similarities to cornerback Quinyon Mitchell.
If Fuller could be the next Mitchell, the Eagles should target the new Toledo prospect in a heart beat. But That’s’s far from a guarantee.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein doesn’t hold Fuller in nearly as high regard as Miller does.
“Fuller is a long press corner with NFL-caliber size and strength,” wrote Zierlein. “Fuller might need the scheme to do some of the cover work for him. Cover 2 and deep-zone coverages allow for the best use of Fuller’s size and length, while minimizing pattern-matching in space.
“If he can become a more dedicated tackler, a conversion to safety could be a consideration.”
Additionally, Zierlein called Fuller a “candidate for bottom of roster or practice squad.”
Miller seemed to link Fuller to Mitchell because they went to the same school. But while Mitchell has experienced a lot of early NFL success despite playing in the MAC, draft analysts saw him as a first-round pick.
That’s not the case with Fuller.
In 13 games last season, Fuller posted 49 combined tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss. He also had 11 pass defenses and an interception.
Over 41 career college games, he registered 16 pass defenses, one fumble recovery and one interception.
Where Could the Eagles Target Fuller?
GettyNFL analyst Ryan Fowler reported the Philadelphia Eagles virtually met with Toledo defensive back Andre Fuller.
Miller suggested Fuller had a chance to be a Day 2 selection. Most analysts, though, see Fuller as a Day 3 pick — perhaps even in the sixth or seven round.
But if the Eagles select him, it could be earlier. Philadelphia only has one selection after the fifth round. In the sixth round, the Eagles hold the No. 197 overall selection.
Targeting Fuller with that pick would enable the Eagles to address their other more pressing needs first.
It will be interesting to see if Fuller remains on the board that long. The Lions appear to be interested in the Toledo defensive back as well.
Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers and a variety of other NFL teams. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb
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