Former Alabama, LSU CB Eli Ricks to sign deal following NFL Draft

Alabama has a long history of defensive backs making the jump to the next level. Cornerback Eli Ricks is now the latest, signing with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent, a source told On3’s Matt Zenitz.

Ricks began his career at LSU and instantly shined despite the shortened season. He was named to the All-Freshman team and even Third-Team All-American by the Associate Press. If you had guessed where he was going to be selected following 2020, the first round would have been the guess.

His sophomore season was filled with injuries, appearing in just six games. After Ed Orgeron moved on from the program, Ricks decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal. Head coach Nick Saban brought him in to bolster the secondary.

Injuries were then a problem for Ricks during his time with Alabama and despite playing in 10 games, only seriously contributed in five of them. He debuted as a starter against Mississippi State, impressing and getting back to his freshman-year form. In total, Ricks recorded four tackles and four pass breakups.

Ricks played high school football at IMG Academy but is originally from Rancho Cucamonga, CA. He was considered a five-star prospect. He was the No. 18 overall recruit in the 2020 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Eli Ricks

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com broke down Ricks ahead of getting drafted this weekend. He admitted the “limited starting experience” is a problem despite playing for two top SEC programs. However, the traits that made him a five-star prospect coming out of high school still exist and is a positive sign for the Eagles.

“A long-limbed cornerback with an impressive physical profile, Ricks is in need of more experience to sharpen his skills and recognition,” Zierlein said. “He is a press-man cornerback with a relatively smooth pedal and an ability to push and punch receivers with accuracy from long distance.

“He’s often a step slow to find top gear when opening to run laterally or vertically, but he’s a human blanket against short and intermediate routes without much wiggle to them. Ricks needs to be more assertive against the run and could struggle on an island, but his traits and press talent should fit in the right scheme.”