As the young core of the Philadelphia Eagles defense continues to ascend, more and more national praise contiinues to pour in.
Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports placed a trio of Eagles' defenders within his top 25 players under 25 years of age, as Jalen Carter, Cooper DeJean, and Quinyon Mitchell landed within the group.
Where the three Eagles young defenders rank among the top 25 players under 25 years old
No. 22 - Cooper DeJean, CB
"Cooper DeJean is one of the faces of Philadelphia's blistering secondary, which is one of the league's best units. After winning the Super Bowl as a rookie, DeJean followed it up with a first-team All-Pro campaign in 2025, blossoming into one of the NFL's best slot corners.Â
In the slot, DeJean did not allow a single passing touchdown last season and tallied two interceptions. He also recorded 93 total tackles (second-most on the Eagles) and four tackles for loss (most among Eagles defensive backs)."
DeJean has proven himself to be as versatile as any young defender in the game, with his athleticism and aptitude to thrive both on the boundary and at slot shining on Sundays. And now, with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio further expanding his role to safety in the team's base defense look, DeJean figures to be even more omnipresent when big plays are being made for this Birds defense.
No. 17 - Jalen Carter, DT
"When Jalen Carter has his head on straight, he's capable of being the best interior defensive lineman in the NFL. The Eagles defensive tackle has elite traits, which have flashed in the form of a second-team All-Pro selection in 2024, along with back-to-back Pro Bowl nods in 2024 and 2025."
Slotting in at 17th for Sullivan, Carter was tabbed as his highest-rated defensive tackle under 25 years of age, and there's no denying the seismic impact 'Baby Rhino' has when he's dialed in.
After a somewhat tumultuous 2025 season, one which included a suspension and a nagging shoulder injury, a looming contract extension hangs in the balance. Carter stands tall as the unequivocal 'x factor' for this Philadelphia defense, and the 25-year old could be on the cusp of his strongest season yet in 2026.
No. 15 - Quinyon Mitchell, CB
"Along with DeJean, Quinyon Mitchell is a mainstay in Philadelphia's secondary, and the two form one of the league's best young duos. In 2025, the Eagles arguably had the NFL's best pass defense, allowing a league-low 56.8% completion rate and just 14 passing touchdowns, thanks in part to Mitchell. He was named a first-team All-Pro in 2025 after leading all defensive backs with a 39.6% completion percentage allowed. He did not allow a single passing touchdown last season."
It didn't take long for Mitchell and DeJean to emphatically announce their arrival, and ever since their respective rookie seasons in 2024, their development as a duo has continued to impress. Mitchell is fresh off a first-team All-Pro nod and teamed up with fellow All-Pro DeJean, arguably the top cornerback duo now suiting up in midnight green.
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For a defensive group that has designs on taking the league by storm this coming season, Carter, DeJean, and Mitchell comprise the core that can absolutely make it happen.
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