The Philadelphia Eagles have given up on defensive back Jaiquawn Jarrett, their disappointing second-round draft pick from a year ago who failed to emerge in a crowded secondary, the team announced Tuesday.
Jarrett was given multiple chances to win a starting job at safety, but lost the confidence of his coaches with too many missed tackles and a knack for being out of place in coverage.
Taken 54th overall in 2011, Jarrett is the highest draft pick from that class to be cut outside of Ben Ijalana, the offensive lineman taken 49th overall by the Indianapolis Colts. Ijalana just couldn't stay healthy, undergoing five surgeries in two seasons, including a recent operation to repair his torn left anterior cruciate ligament.
The Eagles move forward with Nate Allen and Kurt Coleman in the starting lineup, and David Sims and Colt Anderson behind them.
Defensive back likely is to become a crisis spot for more than a few NFL teams this season, meaning Jarrett might have a second chance somewhere. If that happens, he'll need to show the next team more than what Andy Reid and Co. were privy to.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
