NFL Draft 2018: Eagles host *another* slot corner prospect on pre-draft visit

Louisville cornerback Jaire Alexander is seemingly one of 30 2018 NFL Draft prospects scheduled to meet with the Eagles in Philadelphia for an official pre-draft visit. Alexander shared the following image on his Instagram story.

Before we take a closer look at Alexander, allow me to point out he’s the third potential first round nickel corner prospect the Eagles have brought to Philly. The others were Mike Hughes and Donte Jackson. Philadelphia also brought in Tremon Smith, who projects to be a Day 3 slot corner. Safeties Justin Reid and Jeremy Reaves are safeties with slot experience as well. You can’t say the Eagles aren’t doing their homework on a potential Patrick Robinson replacement.

Alexander could certainly be in play for the Eagles at No. 32 overall. A number of mock drafts have Philadelphia taking him at that spot.

The 21-year-old Alexander measures in at 5-10, 196 pounds. He played in 29 games at Lousiville. He would’ve played more if not for injury issues during the 2017 season. Part of the reason the Eagles could be bringing him in for a visit is to check his medical situation.

Alexander finished his Cardinals career with 77 total tackles, 15 passes defensed, seven interceptions, two tackles for loss, and one forced fumble. He also contributed at punt returner with 43 tries for 424 yards (respectable 9.9 average) and one touchdown.

Drafting Alexander could help the Eagles to fill two of their biggest needs: slot corner and punt returner. It would be ideal if Philly didn’t have to draft a slot since they already have a number of young corners on their roster, yes, but none of those guys are sure-fire bets to adequately replace P-Rob.

For more on Alexander, check out BGN’s prospect roundup on him.

Scouting report via NFL.com:

Overview: Twitchy and quick, Alexander is an instinctive cornerback with the ability to anticipate routes and the quickness to close on throws and make plays on the ball. He tape in 2017 was uneven due to issues with a sprained knee which could raise concerns over his durability considering his slender build. When healthy, he has the potential to become a second cornerback, but teams may view him as a full time nickel cornerback who is able to avoid the rigors of excessive run support.

Sources Tell Us: “It looked like he kind of cruised by sometimes this year like he was trying not to get hurt. You can see that talent, man. He can stay on you all over the field and he was one of the smoothest ones I saw at the Combine.” - AFC defensive backs coach

Round: 1-2

NFL Comparison: Teez Tabor

Spider graph via Mockdraftable:

Highlights video:

Complete list of known Philadelphia Eagles draft visits

Louisville CB Jaire Alexander

Texas OT Connor Williams - [Click here]

OT Jordan Mailata - [Click here]

SMU WR Courtland Sutton - [Click here]

South Alabama DB Jeremy Reaves - [Click here]

Alabama S Ronnie Harrison - [Click here]

USC LB Uchenna Nwosu - [Click here]

Alabama LB Rashaan Evans - [Click here]

UCF CB Mike Hughes - [Click here]

Maryland LB Jermaine Carter - [Click here]

Central Arkansas CB Tremon Smith - [Click here]

Iowa C James Daniels - [Click here]

Miami TE Chris Herndon - [Click here]

South Carolina State LB Darius Leonard - [Click here]

San Diego State RB Rashaad Penny - [Click here]

Western Michigan OT Chukwuma Okorafor - [Click here]

Northern Iowa WR Daurice Fountain - [Click here]

Boise State LB Leighton Vander Esch - [Click here]

Stanford S Justin Reid - [Click here]

LSU RB Derrius Guice - [Click here]

LSU CB Donte Jackson - [Click here]