Eagles Rookie Predicted to Be a Dark Horse Candidate to Win Starting Job
When it comes to the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense, the rich keep getting richer. Talent is everywhere, and the likes of Jalen Carter and Zack Baun are already household names.
But that’s not all.After another busy offseason, the Eagles look poised to reload at a few spots. With competitions set to unfold in training camp, NJ.com’s Cayden Steele reports that rookie cornerback Dacarrion “Mac” McWilliams is making a strong first impression.“This season’s biggest surprise could be fifth-rounder Mac McWilliams, who has strung together a good week and earned (defensive coordinator Vic) Fangio’s praise,” Steele wrote. “The undersized cornerback (5-10, 191 pounds), who has taken most of his reps at nickel, is feisty and quick.”As such, Steele believes that McWilliams could be poised for a big role in the Philadelphia secondary, perhaps eventually even as a starter.
Where Did Mac McWilliams Play in College?
McWilliams began his collegiate career at UAB before transferring in 2024 to UCF, where as a fifth-year senior he had 32 tackles, seven tackles for loss, one interception and one forced fumble in 11 games.NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein touted McWilliams’ physicality and coverage abilities in his pre-draft scouting report, calling him a “tenacious cornerback whose 2024 tape helped spotlight his toughness and short-area athleticism. … He plays with anticipation and burst to swarm the top of the route from his pedal and is quick to pounce on zone throws.”After impressive performances at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, McWilliams was drafted in the fifth round, 145th overall.Early reviews out of Eagles camp have been positive, with Fangio praising his intangibles.“I think he’s got good skill,” Fangio said via NBC Sports Philadelphia,” and he’s got a little football savvy to him, which if you don’t have that, it’s hard to coach that.”
Mac McWilliams Could Potentially Start for EaglesAccording to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane, McWilliams did not practice Friday because of a quad issue.Despite that, McWilliams is shaping up to get quality snaps at cornerback behind Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.In fact, Steele suggested that McWilliams may even eventually become a starter if others falter.“It might not happen early in the season,” Steele wrote, “but at some point, McWilliams could receive defensive snaps, potentially replacing (Kelee) Ringo or (Adoree) Jackson — if they struggle. He could also start at nickel in a scenario where the Eagles move DeJean to the boundary.”
Draymond Green's Attempt To Add Dirk's Fadeaway To His Game Draws Hilarious Reactions From Fans
Draymond Green is looking to expand his offensive bag this offseason. However, his attempt at doing so has drawn some hilarious reactions from fans on social media.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is one of the franchise's most valuable players. As the team's defensive anchor and a key playmaker on offense, Green has showcased the aspects of his game that make him an asset for the Warriors.
While Green is great at fulfilling his role for the team, he remains a fairly limited offensive player. Although his fundamental techniques are solid, featuring fake dribble-hand-offs, timely screens, and occasional perimeter shooting as offensive staples, the Warriors forward isn't known to be a scoring weapon.
With the way Golden State's offseason has gone, the forward could be asked to play a more significant role on offense next season. To do so, Green has been spotted attempting to add new moves to his repertoire.
During a scrimmage at a recent open run, the forward was seen trying more shots while being guarded by Warriors teammate Moses Moody. While attempting to unleash Dirk Nowitzki's iconic fadeaway, however, Green airballed the shot.
Green's attempt at improving as a scorer at this stage in his career could be viewed positively. But fans on social media haven't necessarily seen it the same way. With several reacting to the missed attempt, we looked at some of the best ones on X.
"Bros hitting the side of the backcourt. Do not shoot that Dirk fade in game," pleaded one fan.
"Long season incoming," said one user, while tagging a friend.
"Draymond is really garbage,"
One fan took this moment to address the prospects for the upcoming season with the fan base. They said, "Warrior fans, this just solidified what I already knew, WE ARE AIN'T WINNING S**T NEXT SEASON."
"Moses gotta be careful, gotta watch his mouth," warned one fan, referring to the infamous Jordan Poole incident.
"Only bag Dray got is the bag pack," said one fan, referring to Green's shooting form.
"Draymond barely touching the rim in open gyms," cried another fan.
"Draymond getting owned by Moses Moody," observed another.
"Draymond's bag is empty wtf," shared one user.
"Dude, Draymond has to have broken fingers,"
The consensus regarding Green's attempts to expand his offensive arsenal is resoundingly negative. At 35, the Warriors forward is entering the twilight of his career. Changing his play style at this stage could prove significantly more harmful to his performance, as well as the team's overall production.
Among the attempts made by Green during the scrimmage, Moody himself called out the forward by saying, "That ain't your game." While this may have been banter between the two competitors, there is some truth in the statement.
On offense, Green's greatest asset has been his passing ability and intelligence. While setting crucial screens and facilitating the team's offense, the forward cemented his role as the cog in the system that gets everything going.
Last season, the forward posted an average of 9.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. Given that his contributions are primarily intangible, Green's value is only felt during his absence from the floor.
Although he has been criticized, the forward's availability will be extremely vital to Golden State's success next season. Given the team's depleted strength at the moment, the Warriors will need the four-time champion's leadership and on-court communication to rally the forces during games. Although his scoring is likely to remain limited, the franchise will look to him to be a key contributor all the same.
