The Philadelphia Eagles’ biggest weakness last year was in the secondary. With their first two picks of the 2024 NFL Draft, they double-dip and attack the cornerback position.
On night one, the Eagles picked Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell 22nd overall in round one as one of the better picks value-wise.
On day two of the draft so far, Philadelphia traded up for Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean, a consensus first-round rated player who fell to the second round.
So far, while the Eagles do have other needs, the needs on defense other than linebacker have been addressed essentially with both their early selections. I would expect the focus to be on the offensive side, especially on the offensive line for Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Eagles Select Quinyon Mitchell Round 1
https://gty.im/2150232029
Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell was the selection for the Philadelphia Eagles in round one.
This was a great selection, as he can instantly come in and compete with James Bradberry IV since he struggled in 2023. The 22-year-old would opposite veteran Darius Slay Jr., making it a way better unit than in 2023.
At 6’0″ and 195 pounds, the senior had a standout Senior Bowl and showed out at the NFL Scouting Combine with his testing. Mitchell was the first cornerback taken and is physically allowed to play on the outside or inside if they need him in the nickel.
The Toledo Rocket had five interceptions in 2022 and has the tools to be a future shutdown cornerback in the NFL. Mitchell had 18 pass deflections in 2023 and 19 the year before that. He was First-Team All-MAC back-to-back seasons.
Philadelphia Eagles Select Cooper DeJean Round 2
The #Eagles have doubled up on cornerbacks: One night after taking Quinyon Mitchell, Philly takes Iowa’s Cooper DeJean after trading up to No. 40. https://t.co/baMirQZeLw
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 26, 2024
After trading up with the division rival Washington Commanders in the second round, the Philadelphia Eagles shore up their secondary by taking Iowa’s Cooper DeJean. This was a steal value-wise at 40th overall, as he is coming off a season-ending leg injury.
DeJean can be a potential starting corner or safety potentially as an upgrade at defensive back.
Most have the former Hawkeye as an impact player instantly at nickel cornerback. The 21-year-old can be a versatile chess piece for the Eagle’s defense, as he could compete with veteran Avonte Maddox covering slot receivers.
The 6’0″ and 203-pound junior could also provide depth at safety behind both Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and Reed Blankenship, both safeties they re-signed in free agency.
Philadelphia also gets a special teams boost from this pick, as DeJean has experience as a return man. In 2023, he was Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year and Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year with his punt return touchdown.
In 2022, DeJean had five interceptions, three touchdowns off those picks, and eight pass deflections. He was also a Unanimous All-American in 2023 and First-team All-Big-Ten back-to-back seasons.
Rookies DeJean and Mitchell are sound playmakers the Philadelphia Eagles added to their bolstered secondary on day two of the 2024 NFL Draft.
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