The Philadelphia Eagles prioritized rebuilding the secondary this offseason, and it looks like the strategy will be very successful this coming season.
After losing five of six games to end the 2023 season and being defeated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Wild Card Game, general manager Howie Roseman and the Eagles selected two top cornerbacks in the draft and signed safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to to improve the talent and confidence of the defense. Following Gardner-Johnson’s return and the arrivals of rookie cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, Pro Football Focus indicates that the Eagles have achieved their goal.
Analyst Trevor Sikkemma ranked the most improved secondaries in the NFL after the NFL Draft, with the Eagles at the top of the list. Roseman According to Sikkemma, “James Bradberry and Darius Slay struggled a bit last year. They had grades of 77.1 and 77.3 in 2022, but dropped to 52.0 and 65.4 in 2023. The Eagles then drafted Mitchell and DeJean, both of whom are highly skilled in that area.
Sikkemma noted that Mitchell is expected to start right away, while DeJean may take some time to recover from a foot injury he sustained in 2023. However, he is likely to be ready for the 2024 season and is considered one of the most versatile players in the 2024 rookie class.
The play of Bradberry declined significantly in the last seven weeks, leading to suggestions that he could be released before the season starts if Mitchell or DeJean demonstrate their ability to perform at a high level during the spring and summer.An AFC Personnel Executive commented on Mitchell's selection, mentioning his speed, agility, and adaptability to any defensive scheme.
Mitchell joins Philadelphia after recording 123 tackles and six interceptions in four seasons at Toledo.
There was some belief in the league prior to the draft that DeJean was the top cornerback available, and the Eagles were able to acquire him after trading up to the No. 40 overall pick.
Before fracturing his fibula in November last season, DeJean only allowed a 37.8 passer rating when targeted by opponents. Discover how the Philadelphia Eagles addressed their defensive needs and improved their secondary. Learn about the impact of new additions and talented rookie cornerbacks..
Such a bold move is especially possible if Mitchell or DeJean prove this spring and summer that they’re capable of getting on the field and playing at a high level immediately.
“He’s legit fast and quick,” an AFC Personnel Executive told Heavy after the Eagles chose Mitchell. “Excellent close from zone [coverage], can press, and run vertically. He could use some work on his ball skills, but he has hand-eye coordination at the catch point. He’s a universal fit for any scheme.”
Mitchell arrives in Philadelphia after logging 123 tackles and six interceptions across four seasons at Toledo.
Meanwhile, there was some belief inside the league ahead of the draft that DeJean was the premier cornerback available, and the Eagles managed to land him after trading up to the No. 40 overall selection.
Last season, before fracturing his fibula in November, DeJean held opponents to a meager 37.8 passer rating when targeting him.
