Breaking down the Eagles' defensive backs

Analysis by Jeff McLane

S NATE ALLEN

He was wildly inconsistent early last season but finished strong. The Eagles have a lot riding on the 2010 second-round pick.

S COLT ANDERSON

This special teams ace tore his anterior cruciate ligament in December but is aiming to return by opener.

CB NNAMDI ASOMUGHA

He wasn't the lock-down corner many thought the Eagles would get, but his flexibility helped against tight ends in the slot.

S KURT COLEMAN

He'll be one of the safety valves in case Jaiquawn Jarrett isn't ready to start by opener. Coleman has the best instincts at safety.

CB JOSELIO HANSON

He was the Eagles' best tackling corner a year ago, but he may have lost a step. Still, he has the most experience as the nickel.

CB BRANDON HUGHES

Of the corners left on the roster, he's the most likely to supplant Hanson in the slot.

S JAIQUAWN JARRETT

Do the Eagles think the short off-season last year really hurt his readiness, or do they think they missed on their evaluation? This year's draft could tell.

CB D.J. JOHNSON

He was signed to the practice squad late last season, but he has 10 games with the Giants under his belt.

CB TREVARD LINDLEY

He was released before last season and spent the whole year on the street. Lindley was brought back in January on a reserve/future contract, though.

CB CURTIS MARSH

The Eagles project him to be an outside corner. The team's view on his ceiling could affect their early draft plans this year .

S TOM NELSON

He was brought in to replace Anderson after his injury.

CB DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE

He'll start at left corner if Samuel moves on. He has only one year left on his contract, so it may be a short tenure.

CB ASANTE SAMUEL

The four-time Pro Bowler has been on the trade block this offseason. He could be gone by the start of the draft.