Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has a reputation for finding and aggressively pursuing talented players in the NFL Draft.
During the first two rounds of the 2024 draft, Roseman and the Eagles selected former Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell in the first round and then traded up to get Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean in the second round. Eagles They did a good job in the draft by picking Mitchell and trading up for DeJean. These two players were considered to be top cornerbacks and top defenders. Dalton Wasserman from Pro Football Focus credits Roseman for being seen as the best drafter in the league.
Wasserman believes that selecting Mitchell and DeJean was a great move and suggests that they have put the Eagles back in the running for the Super Bowl.
Roseman also landed Ainias Smith, Johnny Wilson, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. later than expected, proving once again why the Eagles are contenders.
They had a great draft and continue to show why they are always in the mix. James Bradberry had struggles, so there's a chance Mitchell may compete for a starting job as a rookie.Roseman essentially secured the Eagles’ top cornerback duo for the next four seasons by making smart draft moves.
Roseman explained that they didn’t feel the need to take a cornerback in the first round, but it was the best available player at that position.
He also shared that they wanted to add competition at the cornerback position. There was an intention to bring in younger players for the cornerback position.Roseman also clarified that they liked the younger players they brought in last year and wanted to add more competition.
It was clear early in the second round that the Eagles were targeting DeJean.
To get DeJean, they traded away various picks to Washington. Roseman stressed that both DeJean and Mitchell were considered first-round players by the Eagles.He also mentioned that this was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up and an area they wanted to address.
DeJean has the ability to play in different positions, including the boundary and even at safety.
#Eagles GM Howie Roseman trading up with Washington to get Cooper DeJean in Round 2.
Philadelphia thought the Rams traded ahead of them to get DeJean, but they didn’t — and Howie was PUMPED.
This access is awesome.
(via @Eagles YT) pic.twitter.com/b4JJFkCx8q
— Ari M (@AriMeirov) May 2, 2024
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The Eagles made it clear early in the second round that they were targeting DeJean.
They traded several picks to Washington to acquire DeJean, who some analysts thought would be a first-round pick for the Eagles.
Roseman explained that they didn’t have 32 first-round players on their board and saw an opportunity to get two first-round talents during the draft.
DeJean showcased his versatility by playing different positions during his time at the University of Iowa.
During 10 games last season, DeJean limited opposing quarterbacks to a low 37.8 passer rating when they aimed at him. according to Pro Football Focus, which could greatly improve the Eagles’ secondary if he plays as a rookie.
“Cooper DeJean has the best instincts of any athlete in this draft,” an AFC personnel director told Heavy. “You never see him in a bad position, can play cornerback, can play safety, you can put him at nickel, and, on top of everything else he’s your punt returner.”
Former Florida State wide receiver Johnny Wilson wasted no time signing his rookie contract.
The Eagles’ sixth-round pick, Wilson, at No. 158 overall, was the first member of Philadelphia’s draft class to sign his rookie deal.
Wilson, at 6-foot-6 and 231 pounds, caught 41 passes in 10 games for the Seminoles last season, gaining 617 yards with two touchdown receptions.
