Philadephia Eagles rookie cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are proving very early that general manager Howie Roseman is still an NFL draft genius.
Mitchell, the Eagles' 2024 first-round pick, has played in every game so far and racked up 24 tackles (19 solo) and six passes defended. He ranks fifth on the team in tackles while leading the cornerback room.
DeJean, the Eagles' 2024 second-round pick that they traded up for, has just two games under his belt lining up as the team's starting nickel and has already registered 10 tackles (7 solo) and half a sack.
He also has been very impressive on special teams and most recently returned a punt for 28 yards against the New York Giants on Sunday.
According to Eagles head coach Nick Siriianni, the rookies' early success in the NFL comes down to how much they love the game.
"I see two guys that love the game of football and are willing to do everything they can to get better at it," Sirianni said. "Highly competitive guys. Very serious about football. Good teammates. Work really hard. All those things you see out of these guys on a daily basis. And it’s good to have their youth and energy out on the field. They’ve put together some good games in a row."
DeJean and Mitchell were not highly-touted prospects when they first entered the 2024 NFL Draft but Roseman saw what they could be, and he was right.
"[DB Cooper DeJean] Coop is obviously just starting to become our starter at the nickel position. He’s had two good games in a row," Sirianni said. "[CB] Quinyon [Mitchell] has been good throughout the time that he’s been here. He’s not fazed by anything. I think he just goes out and competes and plays his game. He’s had a lot of production on the football.
"I think those are looking like two really, really good draft picks. That’s really helping our defense grow."
Now, the Eagles won't have anything to worry about when it's time to officially move on from veterans Darius Slay and Avonte Maddox.
