The Eagles defense allowed the 3rd most points per game last season and they made it paramount to address that side of the ball by taking three defensive players with their first three picks in this year’s draft. At pick 22 the Eagles took cornerback Quinyon Mitchell out of Toledo, a player who many had ranked as their top defensive back in the class. Mitchell is a two-time All-MAC first-team selection, is second in the nation in passes defensed the past two seasons, and became the first Rocket to receive the Chuck Bednarik award in 2022. Many were left wondering how Philly was able to draft such a player so late in the draft leaving many to believe this could be the steal of the first round.
The Eagles continued to address the secondary by trading up to take standout defensive back Cooper DeJean from Iowa in the second round. DeJean was projected be taken as early as pick 20, so the Eagles didn’t hesitate when they had the opportunity trade up and select him at 40. DeJean is a 2x first-team all-big ten player and won the Tatum-Woodson defensive back award in 2023. However, his unanimous All-American season was cut short by a fractured right fibula, not allowing him to participate in the combine. Although the injury was a cause for concern, many still had DeJean going mid to late first round, making this a great value pick for the Birds.
The Birds continued their streak of picking defensive players by taking Houston-Christian defensive end Jalyx Hunt. Hunt started every game for HCU and was named All-Southern conference, leading the ALC in tackles, and forced fumbles. With a strong performance in both the combine and senior bowl, Hunt is an athletic player with tons of upside.
In the later rounds the Eagles decided to shift their focus to offense taking running back Will Shipley from Clemson, receiver Anias Smith from Texas A&M, and guard Trevor Keegan from Michigan in the 4th and 5th rounds. All three picks address potential positions of need going into the season.
In the middle of the 5th round there was only one name Eagles fans wanted called. Leading up to the draft there was lots of speculation about the son of long-time Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter: Jerimiah Trotter Jr. from Clemson. In the 5th round Howie Roseman and the Eagles made didn’t disappoint as they traded up to pick 155 and selected Trotter Jr. However, it isn’t just the name that makes this pick so special. Linebacker is a position the Birds have struggled to find stability with, and Trotter Jr. was named first-team All-ACC and a finalist for the Dick Butkus award. If Trotter Jr. reaches the level his father was once at it would only bring back more nostalgia for Birds fans.
In the 6th round Philly made their final picks of draft selecting receiver Johnny Wilson from Florida State and guard/center Dylan McMahon out of NC State. The later rounds of the draft were key for the Eagles as they addressed their need at receiver and interior offensive line. Receivers Anias Smith and Johnny Wilson will likely both get chances to be the Eagles 3rd string receivers, and Keegan and McMahon join a group competing for the starting right guard spot. With a plethora of young playmakers added to the roster, it seems Howie Roseman had yet another successful draft. The talent should be on full display at rookie minicamp on 5/3.
