Adoree Jackson knows the pressures that come with being a first-round pick in the NFL. It's why he always likes seeing young cornerbacks thrive with teams around the league when they get that opportunity.
Perhaps no rookie cornerback duo had more success in history than the Philadelphia Eagles young duo in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Mitchell was the team's first round selection in April, while DeJean fell to Day 2.
Both players were instrumental in helping the Eagles win their second Super Bowl title this past season.
And they both made it easy for Jackson to want to come to Philadelphia - even after a short stint with the New York Giants.
"I'm not gonna lie, I really liked Mitchell," said Jackson in his introductory press conference with the Eagles. "I saw a game we were watching on tape and I'm like, ‘Damn, I haven't seen a rookie play that well. It's been a while.' Then Cooper doing his thing. That was a trip, because they had the first white DB since whenever.
"To see him thrive and do his thing, it made me smile. It's always cool to see somebody else, especially the position that you're in and how tough it is, to see those two thrive - it put a smile on my face."
Mitchell picked off two passes during Philadelphia's run through the NFC Playoffs. It was DeJean's pick-six that turned Super Bowl LIX last February into a route.
Jackson's roster spot isn't guaranteed. He knows he'll be competing with another younger player in Kelee Ringo.
But as the elder statesman now in the cornerback room, Jackson is just happy to be working with some of the best youngsters in the league.
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This story was originally published March 21, 2025 at 10:01 AM.