Brandon Boykin will finally have a chance to start for the Eagles

According to Bill Davis, it is not a sure thing that it will be Bradley Fletcher starting at cornerback when the Eagles play the New York Giants this week. Fletcher will split first team repetitions at cornerback in practice this week along with Brandon Boykin and Nolan Carroll II. Davis stated that a decision as to who's starting won't be made until the end of the week.

Davis, along with Chip Kelly, have stood by Fletcher all season so it would not be a shock to see him start again. According to Carroll II, Fletcher took first team repetitions in practice. But considering the team actually benched Fletcher during the Eagles' loss to the Redskins, it does seem like there's a chance a move will be made. Against Washington, Fletcher was replaced late in the game by Nolan Carroll II in base packages. When the team shifted to their dime package, Carroll II moved to the inside while Fletcher returned on the outside.

While Carroll II seems like the potential favorite to start, it's worth noting that Boykin is in the mix too. Throughout the season, fans and media alike have questioned why Boykin hasn't been starting on the outside. Davis has often maintained his stance that he sees the nickel cornerback position, which Boykin plays, as a starting role. He's also noted that Boykin and Carroll II are stuck in their nickel and dime roles, respectively, due to the fact Fletcher can't play either position. The counter to Davis' argument would be to do what the Eagles did last week with Fletcher and Carroll II; keep Fletcher off the field until the team moves into a nickel or dime formation.

The problem with this change is that it comes too late for Philadelphia. Perhaps it would have made a difference if the Eagles made a change earlier in the season, but at this point they're eliminated from the playoffs anyway. Still, it will be interesting to see how Boykin or Carroll II perform if they get a shot to play on the outside. They'll have a tough matchup against rookie star Odell Beckham Jr.