Few rookie draft classes in NFL history have ever had the kind of success that the Philadelphia Eagles saw with their 2024 group.
Quinyon Mitchell finished second in the Defensive Rookie of the Year vote, Jalyx Hunt provided quality depth in key moments later in the season, and even Will Shipley saw some solid playing time.
If we're discussing impact, though, no rookie solved a bigger piece to Philadelphia's piece to the puzzle than second-round corner Cooper DeJean.
The Iowa product missed the first four games of the season with a hamstring injury, but entered the year in Week 5. Following his arrival into the starting lineup, the Eagles became the best defense in football almost overnight.
DeJean quickly became a household name. His pick-six in Super Bowl LIX was a turning point in the game and showed just how impactful he had been.
Despite that previous success, DeJean knows he has plenty to do to continue to show he can be an elite player.
“I don’t think, whether I’ve become more popular in the city or whatever, I don’t think that’s changed who I am as a person,” said DeJean. “I’m still continuing to work, and to try and be the best I can be at my job. There are a lot of things I can get better at coming off of last season, that I can be ready for this season."
DeJean's understanding shows that the Eagles have players who are never satisfied with where they currently are.
It's a big reason why they remain as one of the top contenders moving forward in the 2025 season and beyond.