They all know what to expect now: The NFL is no longer uncharted waters. The tempo, the intensity, the physicality, the reliance on perfect technique – all of that is understood.
So, for the Eagles' 2024 Rookie Class, the next stage is to take it a step further because, as everyone in the league says, if you aren't moving forward, you're getting bypassed at this level.
And nobody in this sophomore class with the Eagles intends to fall a step behind.
"You just keep working like you know you need to do," said Cooper DeJean, who enjoyed a terrific first season with the Eagles as a nickel cornerback, capped off with an interception return for a touchdown in Super Bowl LIX. "Take it day by day. Nobody is going to give it to you. They're coming after you."
That they are.
A rookie class that in 2024 contributed so much to the franchise's second World Championship has the task of taking the significant jump forward. Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, the first-round pick a year ago, started from day one. DeJean, edge player Jalyx Hunt, running back Will Shipley, wide receiver Ainias Smith, linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., offensive lineman Trevor Keegan, and wide receiver Johnny Wilson all made the 53-man roster. Some of them played a lot of ball last season. Some saw limited action on gameday, but continued their development on the practice field and in the meeting room.
All grew. All are back and hopefully aware of what is ahead.
"Nothing has really changed for me," said Mitchell, who was a finalist for the NFL Rookie of the Year Award, along with DeJean. "Taking it one rep at a time and one day at a time. I know it's always going to be a challenge, but definitely it helps having gone through things last year and having some success as a team and continuing to work in that direction and for that. Whatever I can do to help the team win, I'm going to do that."
Trotter has seen his spring reps increase at linebacker. Injuries to Nakobe Dean and 2025 No. 1 draft pick Jihaad Campbell have given Trotter more time on the field and he is grateful for that. He's also understanding what it means: The coaches see more of him and his comfort level in the system grows.
It all goes hand in hand: The more a player is on the field, the most he's going to improve his game.
"To have the trust of the coaches, that's what it's all about, so I'm blessed to be out there," Trotter said. "Having the routine I developed last year is a big help to me. We have a lot of depth at the position and that only makes everybody better. We're all competing and trying to bring each other along. I'm really happy to be a part of a situation like that, where you can compete against your guys and have camaraderie like that.
"You want to be ready when your name is called. We're all in that same situation, no matter how long you've been in the league."
The 2024 Eagles Rookie Class was historic in a lot of ways – Mitchell, for example, became the first rookie cornerback to start the first game of the season since 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Eric Allen did so in 1988 – and had a huge impact in the Super Bowl run. With a full year under the belt, all of the rookies from 2024 are now seasoned young veterans.
They know the systems. They know what is asked of them. They know how to be a Philadelphia Eagle.
"When you're familiar in that environment, it helps you really succeed and be comfortable," Trotter said. "That's what we're all doing here. Keep working and take advantage of every opportunity that you get. That's all you can do. Improve and be the best player you can be."
Said Hunt: "We aren't rookies anymore. We can help the new guys become the best versions of themselves by sharing what we learned. For us, though, you have to stay focused. It's a new season. New year. So, what have you done to get better? That's what you ask yourself every day in this league."
