Hot Takes, Predictions for Eagles Rookies After 2024 NFL Draft

The Philadelphia Eagles needed to make some significant roster changes this offseason, and the 2024 draft was the latest stage of Philadelphia's transformation.

General manager Howie Roseman took a targeted approach to free agency, signing players like Saquon Barkley, Bryce Huff, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Devin White to address some of the team's biggest needs.

In the draft, Roseman continued to address weak points while also finding tremendous value—something he seems to have a knack for doing.

On paper, the Eagles' roster is far more complete than it was at the end of last season. How big of a role will Philadelphia's rookie play in 2024? We'll tackle that very question with a few hot takes and bold predictions here.

Draft Results

Eagles Draft Order and Selections

• Round 1 (No. 22): CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
• Round 2 (No. 40): CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa
  
• Round 3 (No. 94): Edge Jalyx Hunt, Houston Christian
  
• Round 4 (No. 127): RB Will Shipley, Clemson
  
• Round 5 (No. 152): WR Ainias Smith, Texas A&M
  
• Round 5 (No. 155): LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
  
• Round 5 (No. 172): IOL Trevor Keegan, Michigan
• Round 6 (No. 185): WR Johnny Wilson, Florida State
  
• Round 6 (No. 190): IOL Dylan McMahon, North Carolina State
  

Mitchell and DeJean Both Start as Rookies

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Quinyon Mitchell

After ranking 31st in passing yards allowed last season, the Eagles desperately needed cornerback help. They got it by using their first-round pick on Toledo's Quinyon Mitchell and then landing Iowa's Cooper DeJean in Round 2.

Philadelphia has a history of drafting for the future and not rushing rookies onto the field, but the prediction here is that both Mitchell and DeJean earn starting roles at some point during the 2024 season.

Mitchell was the top-ranked cornerback on the B/R Scouting Department's pre-draft board and the 10th-ranked overall player. He may have a small-school background, but he has all the tools needed to be a star at the next level.

"He has the ceiling of a top-15 selection, with the potential of being a Day 1 starter and lengthy NFL career," Cory Giddings of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.

DeJean is a versatile defensive back who isn't out of place on the perimeter, in the slot or even on the back end at safety. His skill set isn't wholly unlike that of returning defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, but Philadelphia will find ways to get him on the field early.

While the Eagles do have quality veterans like Gardner-Johnson and Darius Slay on the roster, Mitchell and DeJean are already among the team's top defensive backs.

Cooper DeJean Will Be a DROY Candidate

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IOWA CITY, IA - NOVEMBER 11: Iowa Hawkeyes left corner back Cooper DeJean (3) as seen during a college football game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Iowa Hawkeyes on November 11, 2023, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, IA. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

While Mitchell was the earlier selection, DeJean should have more opportunities to create splash plays as a rookie. New defensive coordinator Vic Fangio loves to utilize disguised coverages, and DeJean's versatility will make him a valuable chess piece.

"Though DeJean has the size and physicality to play safety in the NFL, he has the ball skills and movement skills to play cornerback," Giddings wrote. "Although he will fit best in a zone scheme, he's one of the top cornerback prospects in this year's draft class."

That's on top of DeJean being a tremendously athletic player with great instincts and ball skills.

Over his last two seasons at Iowa, DeJean recorded 13 passes defended and seven interceptions.

DeJean is an ideal fit for Fangio's defense, which is designed to create confusion and turnovers. While Mitchell will be a fine player, likely from Week 1, opposing quarterbacks may learn to avoid him.

That'll be more difficult with DeJean, who can roam between outside corner, nickel and safety. And with Philadelphia's reloaded defense likely to put the Eagles back in the Super Bowl conversation, DeJean's game-changing plays will frequently be under the national spotlight.

DeJean may not ultimately win Defensive Rookie of the Year, be he should be firmly in the mix throughout this season.

Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Was a Steal in Round 5

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Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

In Round 5, the Eagles landed Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. While Trotter's father was drafted by Philadelphia back in 1998, Roseman insists that selection wasn't based on a personal preference.

"You have to stick to your board," Roseman told reporters. "We can't make up a grade on any player just because we like them."

Familial ties or not, Trotter represents a tremendous value for the Eagles in Round 5. He was the 77th-ranked overall prospect and No. 2 linebacker on the B/R board, while also being tabbed the best bitzer in this class.

Philadelphia struggled with missed tackles at the second level last season, and while Trotter has had his issues with consistent tackling, he improved upon them as last season unfolded.

"The Clemson product can lay the wood on ball-carriers when coming downhill," Matt Holder of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "And while he did struggle with missed tackles at the beginning of this season, he improved down the stretch."

Philly added the likes of Zack Baun, Oren Burks and Devin White this offseason, so Trotter probably won't step into a starting role—especially if his tackling issues reemerge. However, he can contribute early as a situational pass-rusher and coverage 'backer, and he can emerge as a starter within his first few seasons.