The Philadelphia Eagles have built one of the deepest rosters across the NFL, and the franchise’s recent rookie classes played a starring role in last season’s Super Bowl championship.
While former first-round pick Jalen Carter and DeVonta Smith, and second-round choice, Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts paved the way to the Eagles’ 40-22 blowout win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, it was Philadelphia’s 2024 rookies who proved instrumental both in making it to New Orleans as well as hoisting the Lombardi Trophy aloft for the second time in franchise history.
Howie Roseman, Philadelphia Eagles Knocked 2024 NFL Draft Out of The Park
Nov 10, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) fumbles the ball after bring hit by Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean (33) in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Nov 10, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) fumbles the ball after bring hit by Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean (33) in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker ranked each team’s 2024 rookie class by their production last season, with the Eagles’ near the top of the list, coming in at fifth in the league.
“The Eagles completely renovated their secondary,” Locker writes for PFF. “With their first two picks in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, each of whom generated 0.55 WAR or better. While the pair of rookie cornerbacks did the heavy lifting, don’t discount edge defender Jalyx Hunt, who turned in a 69.0 PFF overall grade on 343 defensive snaps. Hunt, Johnny Wilson and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. all secured a 75.3 PFF special teams grade or higher, too.”
Philadelphia Eagles
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) makes an interception against the Green Bay Packers in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
As Locker points out, Eagles rookies contributed 4,557 snaps while adding 1.20 Wins Above Replacement, clearly making a significant impact.
In the Super Bowl, alone, DeJean returned an interception for a touchdown, Hunt posted half a sack of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, in a critical juncture of the game, and it is difficult to envision Philadelphia even reaching Super Sunday had it not been for Mitchell’s dominance in the secondary throughout his rookie season.
The depth across the Eagles’ roster sets the stage for general manager Howie Roseman to both continue fortifying both lines of scrimmage–arguably Philadelphia’s strength and backbone to success or truly select the best player on the board, regardless of position, throughout the upcoming draft.
Philadelphia Eagles general manager
Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman during pregame warmups against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images