Eagles’ Rookie Corps Delivers Knockout Punch: Eagles’ Rookie Capture Hearts, Minds with Dazzling Displays Ahead of NFL Title Game
The Philadelphia Eagles have made the playoffs in seven of the past eight seasons on the strength of quality team-building and expert drafting.
Their drafting prowess was again put on display heading into their NFC Championship Game matchup against the Washington Commanders when the NFL announced finalists for Defensive Rookie of the Year on Thursday.
Two different Eagles defensive backs made the list: first-round pick (22nd overall) Quinyon Mitchell and second-rounder (40th overall) Cooper DeJean.
Joining them are a pair of Los Angeles Rams — linebacker Jared Verse and defensive end Braden Fiske — and Miami Dolphins linebacker Chop Robinson. This also comes on the heels of Eagles 2023 first-rounder Jalen Carter being a finalists for the same award a year ago.
Mitchell has been a Day One starter at corner and defended 12 passes, one off the team lead. He held opposing quarterbacks to a 54.7 percent completion rate (35th-best out of 332 qualified defenders) and just 6.3 yards per target.
DeJean started nine of his 16 games, largely at nickel back, and finished fifth on the team with 51 tackles. He defended six passes, forced a fumble, and recovered three more, all without allowing a touchdown pass the entire season.
Both players are expected to start in Sunday’s matchup against the Commanders, who are led by Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist Jayden Daniels. Washington has averaged 283.5 passing yards in its two playoff games, well above its 215.6-yard regular-season mark.
Three other Eagles are awards finalists as well: running back Saquon Barkley for MVP and Offensive Player of the Year, linebacker Zack Baun for Defensive Player of the Year, and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio for Assistant Coach of the Year.
