Spreading Their Wings
Eagles GM Howie Roseman has done a good job building a team that during his tenure has been 1-1 in Super Bowls. This past year Roseman had what may be considered one of his best drafts.
It’s not always easy for a rookie to contribute to a team that has Super Bowl aspirations and make no mistake, the Eagles are good enough to once again harbor Super Bowl dreams.
Roseman enjoyed a strong draft in 2024, one that has already delivered two starters.
Before the draft, there was no doubt that the Eagles had a major need at cornerback. The Eagles’ first two draft choices, first rounder Quinyon Mitchell from Toledo and second rounder Cooper DeJean from Iowa have provided sterling play for the Eagles.
Last week’s 34-6 win over Dallas was yet another example of how well these rookies have performed.
Mitchell had two tackles and two passes defensed. DeJean had three tackles and one fumble recovery. He also had three punt returns for 43 yards, including a 31-yarder.
DeJean had a slow start as he missed several weeks of training camp with a hamstring injury, but has been an impact player as both a slot corner and punt returner.
Mitchell has constantly shut down some of the top receivers in the NFL. He should be a major candidate for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. It also wouldn’t be far-fetched if he receives Pro Bowl consideration. That’s how good Mitchell has been.
Sure he has dropped a potential interception or two, but Mitchell has played with great confidence.
And if that wasn’t enough, Eagles sixth round draft choice Johnny Wilson of Florida State scored his first career touchdown on a 5-yard pass from Jalen Hurts. That came when the game was still competitive and extended the Eagles’ lead to 21-6.
The 6-foot-6 Wilson only has two receptions this year, but one reason is the Eagles have such a deep receiving corps. Still, he has done enough to get some playing time. He was slowed early in the season by a concussion, and one has to wonder if he will be able to contribute more as the season goes on.
What is most impressive is that none of the three players were drafted overly high.
Mitchell was the 22nd player selected in the first round. Roseman usually likes to move either up or down in the first round, but the Eagles stood pat and were rewarded.
Some observers wondered how Mitchell would perform since he didn’t play for a Power 4 college, but has played as if he belongs from the beginning.
DeJean was drafted in the second round after the Eagles did some maneuvering.
And they traded with the team they are batting for the NFC East, the Washington Commanders.
The Eagles acquired the 40th pick in the draft by sending Washington a pair of 2024 second round picks (Numbers 50 and 53 overall) and a 2024 fifth-round pick (No. 161 overall). In exchange, Washington sent the Eagles a 2024 second round pick (No. 40), a 2024 third round pick (No. 78) and a 2024 fifth-round pick (No. 152).
Wilson was selected with the No. 185 overall pick in the sixth round.
There are other rookies who could be contributors, maybe not his year so much but in the future. This group includes two players from Clemson, fourth round running back Will Shipley and fifth round linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
There could be others from the class who are future contributors and down the road, this should be looked on as one of Roseman’s signature draft classes.
Photo: Eagles Quinyon Mitchell - Courtesy of Philadelphia Eagles
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Author: Marc Narducci
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