Key Takeaways:
– Eagles praised for outstanding draft picks, with GM Howie Roseman identified as a star spotter.
– Highly touted cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean were picked.
– The team is viewed as back in contention for the Super Bowl.
– Trade activity in the second round targeted Iowa’s Cooper DeJean.
– The first rookie contract has been signed by the sixth-round pick, Johnny Wilson.
Howie Roseman, the Philadelphia Eagles’ general manager, has earned acclaim for his keen eye in identifying future NFL stars over recent years, consistently pursuing and securing top prospects on the NFL Draft board.
Eagles Make Striking Moves
On the first two rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft, Roseman once again hit the target, picking former Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell in the first round and subsequently trading up in the second round to halt Cooper DeJean’s fall down the board.
Mitchell and DeJean, both cornerbacks, entered the draft considered two of the best at their position and among the top performers in defense. Roseman’s decision to secure these players has analysts applauding the Eagles for their strategic approach to the draft.
Expert Opinions on the Eagles’ Maneuvers
Dalton Wasserman, from Pro Football Focus, has distinguished Roseman as an exceptional talent spotter, hailing him as one of the best in the NFL. In a list of key takeaways for every NFL team, Wasserman lauded Roseman, underlining the importance of the Eagles’ 2024 picks.
“Philadelphia’s selection of Mitchell and DeJean can only be described as ‘highway robbery’,” Wasserman praised. He cited Mitchell’s consistently exceptional grading over the previous two seasons and DeJean’s impactful athleticism and technique as evidence that these two players could significantly boost the Eagles’ Super Bowl chances.
Adding to this, Wasserman noted that the Eagles were also successful in securing Ainias Smith, Johnny Wilson, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. far later in the draft than many had anticipated.
Corner Options Bolstered
James Bradberry’s challenges during the 2023 season might see Mitchell competing for a starting position sooner rather than later. But irrespective of immediate fortunes, these acquisitions solidify the Eagles’ corner positions for the foreseeable future.
During a press briefing, Roseman shared insights about the team’s strategy during the draft. “We wanted to add some competition at the corner position,” Roseman explained, indicating that Mitchell and DeJean were highly-ranked players that the Eagles were eager to bring on board.
Cooper DeJean: A High Value Trade-Up
Additional information reveals that Roseman engineered a strategic trade-up to secure the selection of DeJean during the second round. Philadelphia traded picks No. 50, 53, and 161 to Washington in exchange for pick No. 40, No. 78, and 152 to acquire DeJean.
First Rookie Signs Contract
In other Eagles’ news, Johnny Wilson, the team’s sixth-round pick, became the first rookie from the new draft class to sign his contract. The 6-foot-6 former Florida State wide receiver secured 41 receptions in 10 games, totaling 617 yards and two touchdowns during the previous season.
Let the Games Begin
With these developments, the Eagles’ stand enters backup contention for the upcoming season, thanks to the strategic aptitude of GM Howie Roseman and the star potential of their new additions.