The Eagles' Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean: A Dynamic Duo on Defense
The AP All-Pro voting results, announced on Saturday, shone a spotlight on two standout players from the Philadelphia Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. These second-year cornerbacks have not only earned first-team All-Pro honors but have also proven their prowess since being drafted by the Eagles in 2024. Their talent is undeniable, and it's no wonder they're making waves in the NFL.
Quinyon Mitchell: A Defensive Force
Despite not yet recording an interception, Quinyon Mitchell has showcased his defensive prowess by defending 17 passes, ranking him among the top six in the NFL. His performance against opposing quarterbacks is impressive, as evidenced by his low passer rating of 64.3 when targeted, according to Pro Football Reference. Mitchell's impact extends beyond statistics; he's on a remarkable streak, allowing no touchdowns in coverage since Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Next Gen Stats provide further insight into Mitchell's versatility. Post-bye week, he primarily played as the boundary cornerback, accounting for 74.1% of his snaps. During this period, he excelled, recording nine passes defended and allowing only six receptions across 29 targets and 233 coverage snaps. This translates to an impressive 20.7% completion percentage, significantly lower than the season-long NFL average for that alignment.
Eagles fans have long recognized Mitchell's talent, and now he's receiving the recognition he deserves. In addition to his All-Pro status, Mitchell was named to the Pro Bowl this season, solidifying his place among the league's elite cornerbacks.
Cooper DeJean: Versatility and Impact
Cooper DeJean, just 23 years old, has also made a significant impact. He's second only to Mitchell in pass defense, with 16 defended passes, and has recorded two interceptions and a forced fumble. DeJean's performance against quarterbacks is notable, as he allows a 76.5 passer rating when targeted. His versatility extends beyond coverage; he's an exceptional tackler in open space, tied for 10th among NFL cornerbacks in 'stops' (tackles that result in offensive failures).
A.J. Brown's prediction during training camp seems to be coming true, as DeJean continues to shine. His ability to make plays against the run and in coverage makes him a valuable asset to the Eagles' defense.
A Look Back at Eagles' Success
The Eagles' defensive prowess is not a new phenomenon. Last year, they boasted an impressive All-Pro selection, with two first-team and four second-team selections. This year's All-Pro recognition includes LB Zack Baun, RT Lane Johnson, DT Jordan Davis, DT Jalen Carter, LT Jordan Mailata, S Reed Blankenship, OG Landon Dickerson, TE Dallas Goedert, and ST Jalen Carter. Additionally, former Eagles player S Kevin Byard was named to the first-team All-Pro.
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