The Eagles are Tremendous Bowl Champions! That’s of probably the most utmost significance. What a magical, thrilling, stunning season that ended with one of many extra dominant postseason runs in latest reminiscence. Rookies have been integral to the Eagles Tremendous Bowl run in a manner these sort of younger gamers haven’t contributed in a very long time. Here’s a ultimate rookie report card for the Eagles 2024 NFL Draft Class!
Quinyon Mitchell: A+
The Eagles protection was completely horrendous final yr, so Howie Roseman went out and employed Vic Fangio earlier than drafting Quinyon Mitchell with Philly’s first-round decide. The remaining is historical past. Mitchell was instantly one of many extra dominant outdoors cornerbacks within the league. His athleticism, instincts, and pro-ready approach immediately made him an asset to what ultimately grew to become the most effective protection within the league. Within the playoffs, Quinyon Mitchell nabbed hist first and second profession interceptions. In 4 postseason video games, he allowed a QB Score of 33.8 into his protection. Particular, particular participant.
Cooper DeJean: A+
Cooper DeJean shall be synonymous with the Eagles’ turnaround in 2024. The workforce felt doomed at 2-2 by the primary month of the season. That they had a bye week, DeJean was named the beginning nickel cornerback and the workforce went on a 16-1 run to win the Tremendous Bowl. DeJean was a drive within the slot for the Eagles protection. Regardless of being focused a ton, DeJean by no means allowed a landing within the common season. He performed like a 3rd linebacker towards the run, enjoying bodily and with nice consciousness to make stops at and close to the road. DeJean’s season was capped off in an unmatchable and magical manner. On his twenty second (!!!) birthday, within the Tremendous Bowl, DeJean picked off Patrick Mahomes for a landing and all however signaled that the rout was on. The mixture of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean shall be lethal for the Eagles protection for a few years.
Jalyx Hunt: B
Jalyx Hunt was drafted as a venture edge defender. I don’t assume the workers anticipated how reliant on him they’d develop into. Halfway by the season, the Eagles have been down Brandon Graham and Bryce Huff to damage. Hunt was thrust into responsibility and instantly performed some actually strong soccer. As soon as every week, he complement competent play with one or two flash moments the place you noticed how particular he could possibly be. His burst and bend across the edge are uncommon traits that would make him a dominant participant sooner or later. Each week he performed, we obtained a glimpse. His common season stats have been strong, with two sacks and 7 hurries on 245 defensive snaps. Within the postseason, he actually began to get comfortable and enjoying very properly. He contributed to a dominant defensive position efficiency within the Tremendous Bowl, chipping in 4 hurries and a sack on Mahomes. Hunt is an immensely gifted participant, and the workers will go into the offseason seeing him as a candidate to tackle a a lot larger position subsequent yr.
The Relaxation
Will Shipley barely obtained a lot run as RB3 in a Saquon Barkley-reliant offense. He had an incredible rubbish time burst towards Washington within the NFCC. With Kenneth Gainwell set without cost company, Shipley will contend for the RB2 spot in the summertime.
Ainias Smith didn’t see the sphere a lot because the WR5. The Eagles obtained him in on some gimmicky performs however in any other case he didn’t do a lot. Smith might want to push for snaps as a kick returner to make the roster subsequent yr.
Jeremiah Trotter Junior had the misfortune of enjoying behind Nakobe Dean, Zach Baun and Oren Burks. He barely noticed the sphere on protection. Within the uncommon moments the Eagles did get him on the market, he seemed good! It will likely be attention-grabbing to see how the workforce values him going into his sophomore season.
Trevor Keegan didn’t see the sphere outdoors of the Week 18 common season finale when starters have been resting. The Eagles’ expertise alongside the offensive line saved him low on the depth chart.
Johnny Wilson really had a comparatively large position in his rookie yr contemplating his draft place. Wilson was used as a run blocker at huge receiver and even caught a landing! The WR4 spot goes to be huge open this summer season and I count on Wilson to push for it.
