2019 NFL Draft: 5 players Eagles could take in Round 1

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 09: Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Carson Wentz (11) looks over the defense during the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys on December 9, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 08: Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Deandre Baker (18) during the College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs on January 8, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Deandre Baker

Baker didn’t help himself by running a pretty pedestrian 4.52 40-yard draft at the Combine, but his tape at Georgia has made him a lot of fans in the NFL.

Simply put, Baker tended to play his best football when he went up against the most talented receivers the SEC had to offer. His ability to elevate his play on those occasions gives scouts real hope that he can blossom into a Pro Bowler at the next level.

Critics of Baker point out that he is a little small for what the NFL currently wants in top-flight corners. He makes up for that with a real competitive nature at the point of attack. Time will tell if that holds up against the type of receivers he’s going to see every Sunday in the NFL.

The Eagles coaching staff will be confident they can break his bad habits. He’s a little too confident in his own abilities at times, but coaches would rather see that than timidity in a defensive back. Baker may make some big mistakes early in his career, but he’s got the talent to become a quality starter for a Philadelphia secondary that really needs one.

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