Lights Out: Darius Slays’ Pride Swells Watching Eagles’ Rookie Cornerbacks Thrive
Philadelphia saw how last season ended and decided to break from the usual script this past April, drafting Quinyon Mitchell in the first round and Cooper DeJean in the second round, solidifying their secondary for years to come.
The Eagles started the season out 2-2. Still, the lights went on defensively when Cooper DeJean entered the starting lineup following a training camp and preseason that saw the rookie out of Iowa miss time with a soft tissue injury.
Mitchell has been lights out from Day 1, and both players have made Philadelphia’s veteran and captain, Darius Slay, very happy. Talking to John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia after practice on Friday, Slay jokingly referred to the young duo as “his children,” praising both players.
Among NFL CBs with 100+ coverage snaps, Cooper DeJean ranks 2nd in PFF coverage grade (85.3), trailing only Zyon McCollum (85.7). Quinyon Mitchell ranks T-5th among NFL CBs with nine forced incompletions (including a team-high 6 PDs), behind Denzel Ward (14), Paulson Adebo (12), Carlton Davis (10), and D.J. Reed (10).
Mitchell has held opponents to a 53.7% completion percentage and 76.1 passer rating.
