The Philadelphia Eagles addressed one of their biggest needs by adding defensive backs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in the 2024 NFL Draft to revamp their struggling secondary.
Mitchell and DeJean are expected to be long-term starters for a defense that allowed 4,551 passing yards and 35 passing touchdowns last season. They finished the season as the fifth-worst passing defense in the league. The plan this off-season was to improve one of the biggest weaknesses last season. It began with a changing of the guard at defensive coordinator from Sean Desai to Vic Fangio.
How will Mitchell and DeJean fit Fangio’s defensive system?
Before joining the Eagles this offseason, Fangio was the defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins—where he ran zone coverage on 60% of his defensive coverages. His defense understands the importance of keeping the football in front of them and not allowing it over their heads in coverage. When executed properly, this is an effective defense to run.
Mitchell has the skill set and physical tools to thrive within this defensive system. During Senior Bowl week, Mitchell confirmed that his defense ran mostly Cover 4 with less emphasis on tight press-man alignments. While in zone coverage, Mitchell was targeted 27 times allowing 10 receptions for 154 receiving yards, and zero touchdowns. His understanding of route concepts, reading from a distance, and outstanding athleticism help him fit into Vangio’s scheme more easily.
On October 8, 2022, new #Eagles corner, Quinyon Mitchell (@QuinyonMitchell), had FOUR INTERCEPTIONS in one game#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/D3MPBE9G68
— Sidelines - Eagles 🦅🏈 (@SSN_Eagles) April 26, 2024
DeJean’s athleticism and movement skills fit better for a zone-heavy coverage scheme. That is if he remains at CB because he has “chess piece” potential for a defensive coordinator to deploy in multiple ways. In 2023, DeJean was targeted 22 times in zone coverage, allowing 10 receptions for 120 receiving yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Whether at CB, nickel, or safety, he has shown ball skills, toughness/tackling, and playmaking ability with the football in his hands. Fangio’s scheme will highlight DeJean’s strengths and allow him to play his best ball.
Cooper DeJean with the most madden ass interception I’ve ever seen. Casual no look over the shoulder pick 6 he never should have been able to return #Eagles pic.twitter.com/I5GODDtf2q
— C4 (@PAPAxC4) April 27, 2024
Eagles' secondary is trending upward with Mitchell and DeJean
Double-dipping at cornerback was a wise decision for the Eagles. They selected two ideal fits for Fangio's zone-oriented defense, and both are playmakers. With wide receivers like CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and the speed of Malik Nabers and Jalin Hyatt in their division, prioritizing athleticism and playmaking was the right call.
Conclusion
This defense has to plan for the eventual departure of veterans James Bradberry and Darius Slay. Mitchell and DeJean will compete with 2023 draft picks Kelee Ringo and Eli Ricks for snap share in 2024. This is a great problem to have for any defense. In a few seasons, we could be calling this secondary the new “No Fly Zone” if things go according to plan.
