Year one in the NFL for both Avonte Maddox and Jordan Mailata showed how different two paths could be. Both joined the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2018 NFL Draft, Maddox in Round 4 at pick 125. Mailata was Philly’s final selection 108 picks later in Round 7.
Maddox made his debut in the season opener versus the Atlanta Falcons on special teams. He made his first career interception versus the Tennessee Titans three weeks later in an overtime loss. He’d go on to record 35 tackles, a forced fumble, four pass deflections and two interceptions in his rookie campaign.