Vic Fangio doesn’t mince words when it comes to assessing talent. So, when the Eagles’ defensive coordinator takes a moment to praise a Day 3 rookie, it’s time to pay attention. On Tuesday, as the Eagles continued to gear up for the 2025 training camp, Fangio was asked about fifth-round pick Mac McWilliams, and his response hit all the right notes.
“Mac’s got some good football instincts,” Fangio remarked. “He’s got to learn the finer points of what we’re doing all the time. He’s a little hit and miss with that right now, but that’s to be expected. But I do like the player. I think he’s got good skill and a bit of football savvy, which is hard to coach if you don’t have it.”
Drafted with the 145th overall pick out of UCF, the Eagles are giving McWilliams an opportunity to showcase his versatility during camp. He’s been working as an outside cornerback and in the slot, and with the recent injury to second-round pick Andrew Mukuba, McWilliams has even seen some first-team reps in the dime package. This immersive experience is crucial for the rookie as he navigates the complexities of the NFL.
Standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 191 pounds, McWilliams may not tower over his competition, but his skill set is well-suited for the nickel corner role in the league. While he primarily played on the outside at UCF and earlier at UAB, his performance at the Senior Bowl highlighted his ability to adapt, which gave the Eagles valuable insight into his potential.
As McWilliams dives into the nickel position, he’s been making strides and maintaining a good presence on the field. “I definitely feel like it’s natural to me. I can play wherever, inside or outside. Whatever the team needs, I’m going to be there, and I’m going to step up in that role,” he said, exuding confidence that indicates he’s ready to make an impact wherever needed.
The Eagles are fortunate to have one of the league’s premier nickel cornerbacks in Cooper DeJean. This not only solidifies their secondary but also provides McWilliams with a well of knowledge to tap into as he develops. Despite McWilliams being a year older—23 to DeJean’s 22—DeJean’s NFL experience makes him an invaluable resource for the rookie.
The most crucial takeaway from DeJean’s guidance? Being physical at the line of scrimmage. “He definitely gets hands on (receivers) quick, makes sure he controls the route,” McWilliams explained. “We definitely get it after practice, making sure we’re doing our clamp technique and things like that. Just making sure I get hands on because I feel like if I get hands on, I can control any receiver.”
That lesson proved pivotal during a recent training camp showdown against second-year receiver Johnny Wilson, who stands a towering 6-foot-6. Even with the height disadvantage, McWilliams held his ground and recorded a key pass breakup in the red zone on Day 4 of camp, demonstrating that he competes unflinchingly regardless of physical differences.
“A guy like him, you gotta make sure you get hands on first, try to slow them down,” McWilliams noted. “Bigger guys, they like to push off and things like that. Just making sure I get hands on him, collecting the route, just staying low and in position.”
While the Eagles don’t often utilize their dime package, this strategy has allowed McWilliams the chance to get on the field more frequently over the past few days, especially with Mukuba sidelined due to a shoulder injury. The additional responsibility is something McWilliams welcomes with open arms.
“I get to play in my gaps, fit the run a little bit. Also just playing out there with my teammates, man. That’s the main thing about it. I just love being out there and competing with the guys around me,” he concluded, capturing the essence of what it means to be part of the Eagles’ secondary.
As training camp progresses, keep an eye on how McWilliams evolves in this competitive environment. His tenacity and willingness to learn could make him one to watch as the season approaches, adding depth and versatility to an already formidable secondary.
