By Paul Macrie, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 
Eagles rookie cornerback Jalen Mills received a taste of what it is like to play in an NFL regular season game last Sunday.
Throughout the early part of the game against the Browns in Week 1, Mills was on the sidelines taking in mental reps. When his number was called after Leodis McKelvin left the contest with a hamstring injury, his preparation paid off and appears ready to jump into the spotlight going into Week 2 on the Monday Night Football stage against the Chicago Bears.
Head coach Doug Pederson announced on Monday that McKelvin is "week-to-week" with the hamstring ailment. There is a very good possibility Mills will see increased playing time this week because of it. Look for the Bears to try to pick on the rookie corner. In fact, they could be seeking ways to match up Pro Bowl receiver Alshon Jeffery with Mills.
The LSU product was drafted in the seventh round in this year's draft. His stock fell because of off-the-field issues when at college, but he was a surefire second day pick if his record was clean. Executive President of Football Operations Howie Roseman took a flier on Mills during the third day of the draft. So far, the gamble is paying off because he made the final 53-man roster out of training camp and is already in the mix for serious defensive snaps.
Mills turned heads in OTAs and minicamp for his strong play. His attention to detail already appears to an underrated part of his game. He was asked to make the transition from safety in college to corner at the next level.
In an interview on Monday on 94 WIP, Mills spoke about his preparation for last week's game and how he was confident when he stepped in on defense in the third quarter.
"Each and every play when the defense was on the field, I was next to my coach, getting the call and going through the pre snaps as if I was in the game, and the adjustments and the alignments we work on in practice," Mills said. "As soon as coach told me to go in, I was pretty much ready for it."
The Eagles needed Mills to make the transition from safety to corner. The team's depth at the position remains thin, especially with McKelvin out for at least a week, if not longer. The rookie accepted the role, doing everything he can to get on the field. The fast track for him to get on the field and play meaningful defensive snaps remains at corner. With Rodney McLeod and Malcolm Jenkins manning the safety positions, Mills knew right away what was best from himself and the team.
There is some concern about Mills getting thrown into the fire, and starting at corner on Monday night. The Bears will look to target Jeffery early and often. Will it resemble what Calvin Johnson did last Thanksgiving Day to Eric Rowe? Preliminary indications suggest that won't be the case.
Mills might get beat every now and then against the Bears No. 1 option, but he won't back down. His limited action against the Browns last week might have not been the stiffest test of all, but it allowed him to get his feet wet. He is now preparing to have his name be called more often on the national stage in Chicago this week. His preparation and work ethic is already above par, which is all anyone can ask for from a rookie looking to make a name for himself in the NFL.
