The Eagles have not had much impact from, nor played, many of their rookies in recent years. Jalen Carter notwithstanding, most have only gotten on the field if there is a blowout, an injury, or via special teams. For the first time in a long while, the roster has been constructed to depend on some of their first-year players to be difference-makers. Here are a few that could elevate the Eagles for a deep playoff run.
Eagles Defense:
Quinyon Mitchell
When the Eagles selected Mitchell in the first round, the first time the Birds had chosen a corner in round one in 22 years, owner Jeffrey Lurie looked like a proud father as he watched the pick. And Quinyon has not disappointed.
Eagles DC Vic Fangio has played Mitchell inside-outside and he looks set to make a significant impact as a rookie.
Quinyon is learning from BP Slay, a player he stated he modeled his game after, while also having the unique advantage of going up against 2 of the best wide receivers in the NFL at practice every day. And if you thought the rookie would be intimidated lining up opposite AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, think again.
“I got open, I caught the ball, and he told me my route was trash. I like it tho, he’s a great guy. I like what I’m seeing. He’s moving around a lot. Playing inside going outside, so the versatility is there.” ~ DeVonta Smith
The NFL stage has yet to intimidate him either. In his first team pre-season game, Mitchell has played 29 coverage snaps. He allowed 8 receiving yards and had 1 forced incompletion.
His production, traits, and skills he displayed in college. Quinyon was a YAC (yard after catch) killer at Toledo. He allowed a paltry 48 yards after the catch during the 2023 season,a 51.1% pass rating; and allowed only 27 rec on 62 targets per @PFF stats.
He also led the Rockets in PBUs in 2023 with 18 & is Toledo University’s all-time leader in pass breakups with 46. The Eagles are excited to watch more of this for their team.
Jalyx Hunt
Jalyx is far ahead of where most observers expected him to be. He is fast, crafty, aggressive, and underrated. He showed off every one of his pre-draft traits this summer at camp and in games. As a converted DB, with elite athleticism, he has shown outstanding coverage ability.
It is also hard to ignore Hunt’s potential as an Edge Rusher. He sheds blocks well and uses angles to get to the QB. His burst and speed also pop when you watch him play. Hunt posted a 25.3 percent pressure rate on third down last season. 2nd best of any pass rusher at the NFL Scouting Combine this year.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr
Jeremiah Trotter Jr.’s instincts are the first traits you see when watching him play. He processes what opposing offenses are doing as fast as anyone on the field. Jeremiah is uber-competitive, disciplined, high energy, has elite balance, and flexibility, and is a solid tackler. He has wasted little time showing it off on the field.
Axe-man Junior had quite a debut in his first-ever pre-season game, amassing 6 tackles a QB hit, and a sack. When he unleashes his father’s patented celebration at Lincoln Financial Field, ensuing hysteria will take place in the stands.
Cooper DeJean
He’s so versatile. Cooper can be used outside, inside, in the box vs the run, as a blitzer, and at 6’1 208 he possesses the size needed to match up against almost anyone. He has great instincts, elite ball skills, and is always around it!
Now healthy, there are many ways Cooper DeJean should get on the field. He has experience as an NCB/ slot corner, safety, or punt returner. His athleticism allows the Eagles to use him as a chess piece on the field where matchups dictate. In an era of football where defensive backs are expected to be mentally and physically able to play more than their traditional position, Cooper is a perfect fit.
DeJean had a late start to camp due to an injury, but he has been ramping things up lately and should see the field very soon.
Eagles Offense:
Johnny Wilson
Before sustaining a concussion, Wilson had displayed how Eagles OC Kellen Moore was using him in the offense, including showcasing his outstanding blocking ability. His unique blend of size and speed is special and once healthy, the Eagles will continue to find ways to get Johnny involved.
Johnny Wilson is 6’7, 237 lbs, fast for his size. He has been GPS at 21.3 mph. He owns 50/50 balls with a broad catch radius and will be a BIG red-zone threat. Wilson is a surprisingly effective deep threat with his deceptive speed. He will have time to develop his route-running and refine his hand skills but see the field soon for his blocking acumen.
Will Shipley
Shipley is shifty and elusive. He thrives in making plays in tight spaces. The Eagles offense has been very vanilla much of the pre-season but they have shown what role he could have in the Eagles offense. His speed and desire to make plays will force his way onto the field.
If he can improve his pass-pro, he will end up with some meaningful snaps this season. A change of pace back, slot receiver, and kick returner. A role he could thrive in with the new return rules. Will totaled 904 yards and averaged 26.6 yards per kick return during his career at Clemson.
As always, Thank you for reading.
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Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
