One of the things I enjoy doing during the NFL off-season is comparing my post-draft notes on the Eagles’ rookies and analyzing how they performed once they got their chance to play. Today, I want to take a closer look at Kelee Ringo, one of the Eagles’ rookie cornerbacks. Let’s dive into his stats, overall performance, and potential for the future.
Stats:
Due to limited playing time, Kelee Ringo’s stats don’t stand out too much. However, it’s worth noting that he graded highly as a tackler. In 2023, Ringo played a total of 185 snaps in pass coverage. He was targeted 8 times, allowing 4 completions for a completion percentage of 50.0%. His deserved catch percentage was 80.0%, and he allowed 61 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, and deflected 1 pass. He also had 2 defensive pass interference penalties and a passer rating allowed of 75.5.
Overall:
Before the draft, I was a big fan of Kelee Ringo. I viewed him as a late first/early second-round talent and was surprised when the Eagles managed to snag him in the 4th round. I noted that Ringo had all the traits of a tall, athletic, rangy outside corner, but he needed to work on giving up fewer big plays and playing faster. Despite these areas for improvement, I believed his upside was high and thought he could develop into an outstanding corner with some time and coaching.
Looking back at his performance last season, Ringo showed flashes of his potential as a high-level prospect. However, there were also moments where his rawness was evident. As of now, Ringo is a fantastic athlete with strengths in vertical coverage outside the numbers but struggles in other areas. He has the potential to be a boom-or-bust pick, making the Eagles an ideal landing spot for him as he continues to develop.
Strengths:
Ringo’s athleticism and size make him a physical force at the line of scrimmage. He excels in press coverage on the outside and has shown the ability to handle receivers one-on-one. His tackling ability, a crucial skill for modern cornerbacks, was also impressive during his rookie year. On the field, Ringo demonstrated excellent click-and-close speed in off-coverage, indicating his potential to be an effective zone defender as well.
Areas for Improvement:
While Ringo has many strengths, he struggled with inside breaking routes and tracking receivers on those routes. His footwork and ability to undercut throws need improvement, as evidenced by his struggles with quick-twitch moves by receivers. Additionally, he may need to refine his technique in press coverage, especially in Fangio’s defensive system, which doesn’t focus heavily on press-man coverage.
Future Outlook:
Despite facing stiff competition in the Eagles’ cornerback room, Ringo has the talent and potential to be a future starter in the NFL. While he may not see significant playing time initially, sitting behind veterans like Darius Slay and learning from them could benefit his development in the long run. With continued growth and refinement of his skills, Ringo could carve out a significant role in the Eagles’ defense and become a key contributor in the coming years.
In conclusion, Kelee Ringo has the tools and ability to succeed as an outside cornerback in the NFL. While he may face challenges early in his career, his athleticism, physicality, and tackling prowess set him apart as a promising young talent. With the right guidance and opportunities, Ringo has the potential to become a cornerstone of the Eagles’ secondary and make a significant impact on the team’s defense. As he continues to grow and refine his game, the sky is the limit for Kelee Ringo in the NFL.
