“Timidity Isn’t The Greatest Characteristic:” Q&A With Quintin Mikell, Jason Avant

One of the few Philadelphia Eagles battles for starting jobs this summer should come at left tackle and cornerback.

At left tackle, Jordan Mailata vs. Andre Dillard to round out the offensive line will be a major storyline. At corner opposite Darius Slay, Avonte Maddox will try to prove he belongs on the perimeter after a difficult 2020 season.

On the latest “Q&A on Inside The Birds,” co-hosts Quintin Mikell and Jason Avant sized up the competition, giving a glimpse into how they see the competition unfolding.

“Dillard was, to me, Dillard was timid. And timidity is not the greatest characteristic for the offensive line,” Avant said. “To me, he wasn’t as strong as a left tackle should be. I think that he has the feet, the get-off, he has all those things, but when you lack power and you lack aggression it’s not a great combination for an offensive lineman.”

As for Maddox, Avant called the fourth-year corner a “student of the game” who lost his confidence last year and struggled with eye discipline.

“If you give him a shake, he may jump off this page or this screen,” the former Eagles wide receiver added. “I think there’s a place in this league, I just don’t necessarily know it’s second corner. If he gets moved back to nickel, it may be more advantageous for his career than being outside – but who do we have in that position?”

As for the competitions, Avant said he didn’t “want to shortchange anybody at all” but also gave some insight into his thinking.

“Both have ability,” he added. “I just think Avonte is out of position and Dillard isn’t strong enough.”