The reality of the NFL is that you never take a thing for granted, and that's something Eagles cornerback Kelee Ringo understands very well. He finished his rookie season on a high note with 198 defensive snaps and four starts in the final five regular-season games after playing just one snap in the first 12 games of the campaign, and he was impressive.

So that might give a young player the idea that he is on his way to a starting role in Year 2.

Then came the 2024 NFL Draft, and the Eagles selected two cornerbacks – Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean – with their first two picks and all of a sudden Ringo was looking at a totally different picture in the cornerback room.

And, so, well, how exactly does he fit into the cornerback equation?

"It's a great opportunity to compete and work," Ringo said. "Of course, every single player in the building is a great player. It's ultimately going to make our group better. Everything is up for grabs."

That's the perfect answer. The Eagles want players who respond positively to competition and that's what this offseason was all about – challenging the roster and see who makes the leap forward. Ringo, a fourth-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft after a stellar collegiate career at Georgia, is up for the challenge.

Bring. It. On.

"Having a year under my belt has definitely helped me be more calm with my play and helping me learn what strategies they're using against me," Ringo said. "I'm a little more patient, I'm processing the game more and not having to think as much as I used to. I just feel I'm playing faster and thinking less.

"I thought I played pretty decent, but I feel like there is always room to get better, specifically at the corner position. I feel like it's one of the hardest positions on the field. Little things like coming out of my breaks, being able to see what offenses are doing against me, seeing formations, and just learning concepts and things like that can definitely help you play at a higher level than I did last year."

The growth is showing for the 6-foot-2, 207-pound Ringo, who doesn't turn 22 until later this month. He competed all through the spring and is primed for an intense Training Camp. Going against superstar wide receivers like DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown will help, that's for sure.

"Kelee is difficult at times going against him. I go against him a lot. He's definitely growing. You can see a different step with him," Brown said. "He's hungry and he's competing at a high level."

This is a deep and talented cornerback room with young players flying around competing with veterans like Darius Slay and Avonte Maddox. Making the 53-man roster is going to be challenging.

Ringo is embracing the battle.

"That's what it's all about. You have to bring your best," he said. "That's what I'm trying to do. I'm in a better place than last year. I feel a whole lot ahead from where I was then."