Every step they've taken, every situation they've encountered, both Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean have handled with maturity and effort and earnestness.
As total professionals.
Which is something you don't generally get from NFL rookies, but that's what it has been like for Mitchell, the Eagles' first-round draft pick in April, and from DeJean, the team's No. 2 pick.
Both are now central figures in Vic Fangio's defense. And the team isn't interested in looking back. The emphasis is on building and growing and improving every step of the way.
In Sunday's 20-16 win over the Cleveland Browns, Mitchell made his fifth start of the season and played all 57 defensive snaps, recording three tackles and playing a part in limiting a dangerous receiving corps to just 168 total passing yards. He had superior deep coverage early in the game and nearly had an interception, only to have the ball jarred loose by a hustling C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was also in line for the interception.
DeJean was used as the team's starting nickel corner for the first time this season and played 52 snaps, recorded 6 total tackles, half a quarterback sack, and helped on another on two effective edge blitzes and handled a quarterback hit.
The two rookies were targeted eight times unofficially, allowing just three completions for 23 yards and zero first downs.
A new day is dawning for the Eagles' secondary, one that has been fortified through the last couple of offseasons through the NFL Draft, free agency, and roster-building moves. The two kids, Mitchell and DeJean, are off to impressive starts.
"I feel like I've worked up to this moment with the help of my teammates and the other guys around me," said DeJean, who missed most of Training Camp and the preseason with a hamstring injury suffered while working out in the summer. "I felt prepared. There were no nerves – a little bit of butterflies and excitement building up to this. Once you get out there and make that first hit, it all slows down for you and it felt good."
DeJean has also handled the team's punt return duties since Britain Covey was injured and he has made strides there, too. On Sunday, he averaged 12.8 yards per return on five attempts. DeJean is clearly a great athlete and has prepared well for the mental challenges of the game.
Both players are in the lineup. They are both up for the assignment.
"You learn every time you're out there," Mitchell said during the week prior to the Browns game. "I look at every receiver as a great player and someone who is capable of making a big play if I'm not ready, so it's my job to be prepared and play my best football. Nothing more. I don't try to be something that I'm not, but I have a lot of confidence in my game and my ability to play the kind of football I want to play."
Executive Vice President/General Manager Howie Roseman, with veterans Darius Slay and James Bradberry entrenched as starters, addressed the cornerback position in and after the 2023 NFL Draft, adding players who have contributed like Kelee Ringo and Eli Ricks, both of whom have had valuable moments. The team signed Isaiah Rodgers after he was suspended by the NFL for violating the league's gambling policy and subsequently dropped by Indianapolis. Avonte Maddox returned after testing the waters of free agency this past spring and Mitchell (No. 22) overall and DeJean (No. 40 overall) were nabbed early in the 2024 NFL Draft.
And, just like that, the two rookies are in the lineup and producing. This is how you transition a position.
"It's really just me doing my job. That's my task every game," DeJean said. "When I'm on defense, I've got to lock in and focus on my job. I'm excited to have my number called and have the chance to impact the game in a positive way for us. I'm looking forward to more chances to do that."
