Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles DC Billy Davis says size won't hold Brandon Boykin back from starting

Published Jun. 4, 2015 1:23 p.m. ET

foxsports

Earlier this week, Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Brandon Boykin made headlines when he expressed his displeasure with his role as the team's slot cornerback as the team opened up OTAs practices. Boykin has a point--he has not only been the Eagles' best cornerback over the last two seasons, but he has also been one of the NFL's top 20 cornerbacks, per Pro Football Focus. Eagles defensive coordinator Bill Davis disputed claims that Chip Kelly's alleged size requirements would hold Boykin back from earning a starting role as an outside cornerback.

"Has nothing to do (with height)," Davis said on why Boykin hasn't started, per True Jersey. "If you are good enough, you're big enough. If you are good enough, you're fast enough. Now we do look for and bring in taller corners? Yeah. But it doesn't mean Boykin is at a disadvantage."

Davis' comments hint that he does not believe Boykin's production is up to par, but he went on to heap praise on Boykin for what he has been able to accomplish as the team's slot cornerback.

"I love Boykin," Davis said. "He is one of my favorite guys out there. He does a great job in the nickel. He is competing out there at corner. He is doing a great job and is having a great offseason."

Boykin is set to hit free agency in 2016, and he will almost certainly prioritize a starting cornerback role when he gets there. The Eagles can't guarantee him one, so the only way Boykin is likely to re-sign is if he does in fact earn the starting job in 2015.

(h/t True Jersey)

Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch/USA TODAY Sports