The Philadelphia Eagles needed help in their secondary this season, and they found it in the draft. Atypical for the Eagles, they spent not one, but two high draft picks on cornerbacks. Quinyon Mitchell was selected in the first round (22) and Cooper DeJean in the second (40). According to Pro Football Focus, that investment is paying off.
PFF’s Top Ranked Rookies Includes Two Eagles Rookies
When the Eagles season tanked last year, the secondary had a lot to do with it. The secondary as a whole was aging, lacking playmakers, and injury-prone. That same secondary was the perfect landing place for Mitchell and DeJean, as Darius Slay and James Bradberry are some of the best mentors a young cornerback could ask for. Now, both rookies have been earning significant playing time and are holding their own, even against powerful receiving corps like the Rams‘ Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp.
Cooper DeJean
The future sure seems bright for DeJean. he was drafted out of Iowa and is not only a stud cornerback but also a solid return man. PFF has Cooper DeJean at #7 on their list with a grade of 79.6. here’s what they had to say about DeJean:
DeJean has continued to improve as the season progresses and put up a PFF grade above 70.0 for the sixth time in seven games during Sunday’s win over the Rams. Through the first 12 weeks of the season, he has allowed an average of just 6.8 yards per reception.
Also read: Seven Times Special Teams Has Won or Lost a Super Bowl
Quinyon Mitchell
Coming out of Toledo, Quinyon Mitchell has seemed to adjust well to the NFL. According to ESPN, Mitchell has played 96% of defensive snaps and ranks eighth in completion percentage at 52.3%. PFF has him at 13th on their list with a grade of 73.4. Here’s their take:
Mitchell delivered another impressive performance in the Eagles’ win over the Rams on Sunday Night Football, earning a 66.0 PFF coverage grade while allowing just 26 yards on three receptions in coverage. Over the past four weeks, he has surrendered only seven receptions for 63 yards on throws into his coverage.
What’s Next For the Philadelphia Eagles?
The Philadelphia Eagles sit atop the NFC East at 9-2 and face the Baltimore Ravens in a heavyweight bout. These two teams boast the two best rushing offenses in the NFL. But Zay Flowers of the Ravens has been having a productive season and with Darius Slay listed as questionable, Mitchell and DeJean have their work cut out for them.
For More Great Gridion Heroics and Philadelphia Eagles Content
Follow me on Twitter at @EJohn_316_son and follow us @GridironHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in NFL and College Football, click here!
