Scott Kane-USATodaySports
All we have heard about this offseason is about Cary Williams for the Philadelphia Eagles secondary. How Cary will bring a hard-nose type of football to the Eagles and how he doesn’t “do” voluntary work-outs. I think its time to talk about another Eagles cornerback addition and that would be Bradley Fletcher.
The 6-foot, 200-pound corner signed with the Eagles on the first day of free agency. He signed a two-year deal worth $5.25 million, after playing his first four seasons with the St.Louis Rams. Like Cary, he is a hard-nosed corner. He is solid against the pass and the run as well. He has the speed, size and strength to stick with almost any receiver. According to Pro Football Focus, Fletcher only allowed a completion rate of 47 percent against him and a quarterback rating of 55.8 last season for the Rams.
Fletcher has started 26 of his 43 career games. He started 20 0f 21 games (2010-2011) before getting injured four games into the 2011 season. When he was a full-time starter in 2010, he had four interceptions and 11 passes defensed. In his last 20 games, he has only given up two touchdowns in coverage. I think Eagles fans are really going to like this guy.
So, why did the Rams let him walk? Well, Fletcher got lost in the shuffle in St.Louis when they brought in corner’s Cortland Finnegan and Janoris Jenkins. That is likely why. This dude screams “underrated” to me. He just needs to stay healthy for that to happen. With Cary and Fletcher, the Eagles could have the most underrated cornerback tandem in the league. Emphasis on “could.” I have learned from past experiences to not crown anyone in the offseason. The Eagles have taught me well on that part.
The one thing that is for sure, though, the former third-round pick out of Iowa will bring a physical game to the Eagles defense. I have said it before, I am not sure if the Eagles defense will be any good, but they definitely will be more physical.
Joseph Hickman is a Philadelphia Eagles writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @phillytugger, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.
