NFL Draft 2018: Eagles seemingly host LSU cornerback on pre-draft visit

NFL free agency is just about to start but it’s never too early to look ahead to the 2018 NFL Draft (only 44 days away!).

It appears the Eagles have already begun to host prospects for official pre-draft visits in Philadelphia. LSU cornerback prospect Donte Jackson recently posted a video to his Instagram story that indicates he’s in Philly.

Leading up to NFL Draft each year, teams are allowed to bring in 30 prospects for official visits. These visits don’t always guarantee the team is actually interested in the player. Howie Roseman once admitted to using some of the visits as smokescreens to mask their true interests.

In any case, it’s interesting to see the Eagles are using one of their visits on a top corner prospect. Philadelphia already has a logjam of young talent at that position. Maybe this is just further indication the Eagles plan to trade one of the defensive backs currently on their roster? And/or move at least one of their corners to safety?

Here’s more information on Jackson via an NFL.com scouting report:

Draft Projection: Rounds 1-2

NFL Comparison: Leodis McKelvin

Bottom Line: Cover corner with below-average size, but elite speed and athleticism. Jackson lacks instincts but has rare closing burst so there will be feast-or-famine games in his future. Due to his slight frame, teams are sure to test his resolve and durability in run support. Jackson’s athletic traits should ensure that he makes plenty of plays on the ball, but he’ll need to develop better route recognition and focus in order to reach his full potential. Jackson should find early work as a third cornerback.

I know you just love that NFL comp.

Jackson is one of the 60 players the Eagles formally interviewed at the 2018 NFL Combine. Speaking of the Combine, he didn’t test all that well there, besides his blazing fast 40-yard dash.

Unless the Eagles make a change at the corner position, it’d be very surprising to see them add another corner early in the draft.

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(Hat tip to BGN reader @to_the____MAX for first noticing Jackson’s Instagram post)