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The Philadelphia Eagles are no strangers to taking calculated risks, especially at the cornerback position. At times, they have hit the bullseye (Darius Slay and James Bradberry for a season), but it's easier to remember the failures. At the risk of bringing back bad memories, Steven Nelson was okay, but Nnamdi Asomugha and Ronald Darby were among the 'boom or bust' options that burst in the worst ways imaginable. Riq Woolen enters the chat. As most know, the Eagles added him recently by way of a one-year deal, and he fits that mold perfectly.
On paper, the upside is undeniable. The floor is, in a word, horrifying.
Few defensive backs in the league can match Woolen's blend of size, speed, and raw athleticism. In fact, during a recent episode of Speakeasy, Emmanuel Acho went as far as to call him potentially the most athletic cornerback in the NFL, a bold claim that certainly grabs attention, but he also slaps a warning label on this acquisition. That's where the “boom-or-bust” label comes into play.
There you have it. There's praise coupled with context. Woolen has already shown flashes of brilliance at the professional level. There's enough to suggest he can develop into a high-end starter, but the gap between flashes and sustained excellence is what separates intriguing talents from dependable contributors. For Eagles fans, the message is simple. Be excited. Be very excited, but, at the same time, stay grounded. Philadelphia's leadership has earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to making roster decisions, and this environment could be exactly what Woolen needs to unlock his full potential.
At the same time, nothing is guaranteed, so if it clicks, the Eagles may have found a difference-maker in a premium position. If it doesn't, it will serve as another reminder that traits alone don't always translate. Either way, this is a move that will be watched closely, if for no other reason, because it could swing either way.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Riq Woolen is again dubbed as a potential boom-or-bust acquisition
Continue reading...
On paper, the upside is undeniable. The floor is, in a word, horrifying.
Few defensive backs in the league can match Woolen's blend of size, speed, and raw athleticism. In fact, during a recent episode of Speakeasy, Emmanuel Acho went as far as to call him potentially the most athletic cornerback in the NFL, a bold claim that certainly grabs attention, but he also slaps a warning label on this acquisition. That's where the “boom-or-bust” label comes into play.
There you have it. There's praise coupled with context. Woolen has already shown flashes of brilliance at the professional level. There's enough to suggest he can develop into a high-end starter, but the gap between flashes and sustained excellence is what separates intriguing talents from dependable contributors. For Eagles fans, the message is simple. Be excited. Be very excited, but, at the same time, stay grounded. Philadelphia's leadership has earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to making roster decisions, and this environment could be exactly what Woolen needs to unlock his full potential.
At the same time, nothing is guaranteed, so if it clicks, the Eagles may have found a difference-maker in a premium position. If it doesn't, it will serve as another reminder that traits alone don't always translate. Either way, this is a move that will be watched closely, if for no other reason, because it could swing either way.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Riq Woolen is again dubbed as a potential boom-or-bust acquisition
Continue reading...
