The Unexpected Journey of Mario Goodrich: From Undrafted CB to Philadelphia Eagles Roster

Mario Goodrich, a projected 4th/5th round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, made the MLS (media). Despite the plethora of significantly worse corners drafted ahead of him in the late rounds, Goodrich went undrafted. This situation is particularly notable given that the typical pathway for undrafted free agents is to compete for a roster spot as a third-string player. However, the Philadelphia Eagles have carved out a unique path for Goodrich, one that may offer him a significant opportunity to compete for starting snaps as a rookie.

Philadelphia Eagles' Urgent Need for a Cornerback

The Eagles face a significant challenge at the cornerback position. Their only two viable starting options are Darius Slay, a Pro Bowl-caliber outside cornerback, and Avonte Maddox, a fifth-year slot cornerback. Slay's importance cannot be overstated, but the Eagles clearly have a huge hole at the starting outside cornerback position opposite Slay. In this scenario, the Eagles have shown a willingness to take calculated risks to fill this void. Their decision to sign Goodrich as an undrafted free agent is a testament to their belief in his potential.

Why the Eagles' Move Is Surprising

Given the Eagles' well-documented lack of depth at cornerback, it was surprising that they did not make a pick in the draft to address this need. However, they appear to have other plans. Reports indicate that the Eagles are likely to sign a free agent veteran to this role alongside Slay and Maddox. This decision could be driven by several factors, including the belief that Goodrich is ready to step into a starting role and the desire to bring him in slowly and gradually integrate him into the team's defensive strategy.

Potential Impact of Mario Goodrich on the Philadelphia Eagles

What impact could Goodrich have on the Philadelphia Eagles? If he proves to be competent enough to compete for starting snaps, this move could significantly boost the Eagles' defensive capabilities. With Darius Slay and Avonte Maddox already in place, having an additional disciplined and dependable cornerback can be a pivotal factor in the team's success. The Eagles are betting that Goodrich's potential and skills will outweigh the usual risks associated with free agents who were not drafted.

Conclusion

As we look ahead, the Philadelphia Eagles' decision to sign Mario Goodrich as an undrafted free agent signals a bold move to bolster their defensive lineup. This decision could signal a larger trend in the NFL, where teams are increasingly taking chances on undrafted free agents who may offer more depth and development opportunities than the typical high draft picks. Only time will tell whether Goodrich will live up to the Eagles' expectations, but one thing is clear: the Eagles are committed to providing him with an opportunity to showcase his skills and contribute to their team.

Related Keywords: Mario Goodrich, Philadelphia Eagles, Undrafted CB, NFL Draft, Free Agent