Seeing how last season ended, Philadelphia decided to break from the usual script last April, drafting Quinyon Mitchell in the first round and Cooper DeJean in the second round, solidifying their secondary role for years to come.

The Eagles started the season 2-2. Still, the lights came on defensively when Cooper DeJean entered the starting lineup after a training camp and preseason in which the Iowa rookie missed time with a soft tissue injury.

Mitchell has been out since Day 1 and both players have made Philadelphia’s veteran and captain, Darius Slay, very happy. Speaking to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark after practice on Friday, Slay jokingly referred to the young duo as “his kids,” praising both players.

While talking to Darius Slay in the Eagles’ locker room, he watched Cooper DeJean talk to the media. Slay says he calls Coop and Quinyon Mitchell his children.

“They are my children.” He’s so impressed with the Eagles rookies.
Tomorrow a big match against CeeDee Lamb pic.twitter.com/fhTOQ3eBEc

— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) November 9, 2024

Among NFL CBs with more than 100 coverage snaps, Cooper DeJean ranks second in PFF coverage grade (85.3), trailing only Zyon McCollum (85.7). Quinyon Mitchell ranks fifth among NFL CBs with nine forced incompletions (including a team-high 6 PDs), behind Denzel Ward (14), Paulson Adebo (12), Carlton Davis (10) and DJ Reed (10).

Mitchell has held opponents to a 53.7% completion percentage and a 76.1 passer rating.