What a year it has been for NFL rookies. Don't tell these guys that they don't belong. They entered the professional football stage and forced everyone watching to take notice. Philadelphia Eagles fans are well aware of such.
Jayden Daniels has created his lane. Caleb Williams and Malik Nabers are both keepers. So are several others. We can name many, but two outstanding first-year stars are in the City of Brotherly Love. They've been as good as advertised.
Quinyon Mitchell has been a stud since Week 1. He's performed as well or better than some corners several years older. Philly's second-round draft choice earned a chance to start several weeks later but has been so good we're ready to make the boldest of claims.
Q has been a defensive gem all season. We've long believed he can win the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. But, something has crossed our minds here as of late.
We don't care if he's a late entry. Cooper DeJean deserves to be mentioned as a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate.
Typically, come draft time, teams have expectations. First-round draftees are often to contribute immediately (or very soon). Day 2 guys, like Cooper DeJean, are also guys franchises invest heavily in.
Mitchell was a bullseye selection. It took a tad longer for the DeJean return. He missed valuable time during the preseason because a physical setback but was ready for the regular season.
A lack of reps and activity forced his coaches into a decision. Bring the young guy along slowly. He played eight defensive snaps between Week 1 and Week 4 but was promoted to the starting lineup as a slot corner after the bye.
What a revelation he has been.
Cooper DeJean has played 141 snaps during Philly's three most recent games. That equates to 91%, 72%, and 81% in each game respectively. The results have been 13 tackles. That includes ten of the solo variety and two resulting in a loss of yardage.
He has broken up a pass and has been credited with two pressures. He also has one registered hit on the opposing QB (Deshaun Watson). Pro Football Focus gives him a coverage grade of 87.2 and an overall grade of 83.4 thanks to pass rush grades and run defense grades of 57.8 and 59.9 respectively.
His coverage grade ranks second in the NFL behind Kaiir Elam (90.8). This fourth-down stop in Week 8 is worth an ovation.
"This is an unbelievable play by Cooper DeJean"@DariusJButler #PMSLive https://t.co/inI0xOpCEr pic.twitter.com/nm3rXzVWaG
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 30, 2024
Don't stress the run and pass-rush grades. Pass-rushing from the slot CB position is a frequent wrinkle thrown in Vic Fangio's defense. Coop does it well, but let's be frank, the question on everyone's mind has been how well can this guy cover.
Per PFF, Philly's slot coverage grades from Weeks 1-5 ranked 24th league-wide. They ranked third in Weeks 6-8 since DeJean's debut as a starter.
Let's just say the feedback has been positive.
What a play by Cooper DeJean (no. 33 in the slot). Passes his man off, gets depth, looks for No. 1, and nearly picks off the pass. pic.twitter.com/OsmnKwis28
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) October 30, 2024
So, yeah we read the headline. We wrote it. Philly had one legitimate Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate. Now, they have two. Throw DeJean's name in the discussion.
The competition is fierce. In addition to his teammate, the emergence of guys like Evan Williams (Packers), Jared Verse (Rams), Andru Phillips (Giants), and Tykee Smith (Buccaneers) will make winning the hardware tough, but even if we're being biased, we like both of our guys' chances.