Eagles Film Review: Mac McWilliams could be an Avonte Maddox replacement

A closer look at Philadelphia’s fourth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

With the 2025 NFL Draft over, it’s time for some film rooms on the Philadelphia Eagles’ rookie class. I will try to get to all 10 draft picks and the UDFAs over the next few weeks. Loads of scouting reports will say very similar things, so I have tried to include film clips to back up everything and I will talk about the player’s fit with the Eagles at the end of the piece. I managed to get the All22 for several rookies, but I can’t share those clips on my Twitter accounts (or I risk getting blocked), so I’ve used a few other accounts here. Let’s go!

You can check out my podcast feed here to hear more from me. I have a Patreon linked to my podcast if you want to support me further. Due to being unable to share All22 on Twitter, I am doing All22 watch-alongs on every Eagles’ rookie on the Patreon, which is really cool!

Previously: Jihaad Campbell / Andrew Mukuba / Ty Robinson

I usually post specific clips, but there aren’t many for Mac McWilliams on Twitter, so if you want film, I recommend this video, which has a lot of what I am talking about!

I have watched 3 All22 games (Colorado, Iowa State & TCU) and will have games up on my Patreon if you are interested!

Strengths

+ Really quick and agile, with enough long speed to carry vertical routes. His speed and quickness make him great in both man and zone coverage, as he changes direction well.

+ He has experience playing outside and slot corner and is comfortable in multiple coverages.

+ He plays with good technique and didn’t commit a penalty in 2024. He’s patient in coverage and doesn’t try to make splash plays all the time, which makes him reliable.

+ He is active in run support, and his play in the slot has helped him develop this, as he has experience being a part of a team’s run fit. He had 7 tackles for loss and a sack in 2024.

+ He’s a former receiver who plays the ball well in the air. He’s strong at the catch point when he gets his hands on the football.

+ His film is good. He’s better than a 5th-round cornerback and fell due to his physical profile and size (possibly due to his injury history too) rather than his on-field talent.

+ Some of his reps at the Senior Bowl were outstanding! Just look at this. You can see the quickness and fluidity in these clips.

+ I might have concerns about his size on the outside (more on that later) but he doesn’t!

+ Played in special teams coverage and was a productive punt returner (11.6 yards/return).

Weaknesses

– He’s short with below-average arm and hand size. I know he had versatility in college, but I struggle to see him as an outside cornerback with his current profile. If he does play outside, he’s going to have a tough time against long and physical receivers. This is evident when looking at his MockDraftable profile:

– Despite being a former receiver, he only had 2 interceptions and 2 pass breakups in 2024. This is partly due to his length. He can get outmatched in jump-ball or contested catch situations.

– He will struggle to press longer receivers if he’s asked to press. His arms won’t be long enough to get his hands on a receiver, and longer receivers will be able to keep him off their chest.

– He’s very aggressive in run support, but sometimes struggles to wrap up. Once again, his size and arm length may cause issues here.

– Missed multiple games over three separate seasons due to various injuries.

Overall

Mac McWilliams is a quick, competitive, intelligent cornerback with the tools to stick around. I said this earlier, but his film is better than a 5th-round pick. I think he fell because NFL teams are concerned about whether his size can translate to the next level, which is a fair concern to have! There is a world where McWilliams doesn’t make it in the NFL because he isn’t physically good enough. However, I think he’s fast, twitchy, and shows great footwork, which should enable him to stick around. His value on special teams should help him make the roster, too.

I think his size and lack of ball production limit his ceiling as a full-time outside corner, but that doesn’t mean he can’t play outside. I would happily let McWilliams work as a slot and outside corner in training camp. There is no reason to put McWilliams into a box early on and say that he has to be an outside corner or a slot corner. Let him learn both positions.

For the next couple of years, I see McWilliams as the ultimate ‘next man up’ player who can come in and replace Cooper DeJean if he gets hurt or take reps on the outside if something happens to the starters. He should take the Avonte Maddox role this season. He may ultimately be good enough to develop into a starting cornerback in a couple of years, but for now, I see him as a very reliable backup who can play in a number of positions. If I had to let him develop full-time somewhere, I think his future will be as a slot corner. I think he’s an intriguing prospect who could be a valuable piece for this Eagles’ defense over the next few years.

Thank you for reading! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to comment below and ask any questions. If you enjoyed this piece, you can find more of my work and podcast here.