Reviewing all nine picks.
The 2024 NFL Draft is officially in the books. Three days and nine picks later and the Philadelphia Eagles have a new class of rookies. Here is all you need to know and all you can look forward to with the Eagles’ brand new players.
Quinyon Mitchell, Cornerback, Toledo
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 195 Pounds
Most Important Stat: Most forced incompletions in the FBS over the last two seasons (per Pro Football Focus)
What he can do: Quinyon Mitchell was a lockdown cornerback for the Rockets over the last two seasons. The combination of his size, smarts, and athleticism made him extremely difficult to get receptions on. He thrived in off-man coverage where he could rely on his recognition skills and his burst to close on the ball. He is also a very physical player who is unafraid to make tackles against the run. Concerns about level of competition and ability to play press-man coverage were assuaged during Senior Bowl week where he locked up some of the best receivers in the draft.
Eagles Outlook: The Eagles had one of the worst passing defenses in the league last year and the instability at the cornerback position was a big reason why. James Bradberry took a huge step back and, after Avonte Maddox’s injury, the nickel cornerback spot was a revolving door. Mitchell should be on track to start at outside cornerback across from Darius Slay in his rookie year. The same way that Pat Surtain II thrived as a rookie under Vic Fangio a few years ago, Quinyon Mitchell could have a similar immediate impact in the Eagles defense.
Cooper DeJean, Cornerback, Iowa
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 203 Pounds
Most Important Stat: Allowed a 45.0 passer rating over the last two seasons (per Pro Football Focus)
What he can do: Cooper DeJean can sort of do everything. His second round selection was largely due to a leg injury, otherwise he would’ve gone much earlier in the draft. DeJean thrived at outside cornerback in college, using great straight line speed, recognition abilities and ball skills. He also played some great snaps as a slot defender where his physicality made him an asset close to the line of scrimmage.
Eagles Outlook: DeJean’s projection in the NFL really depends less on his own ability and more so on the needs of the Eagles. In Vic Fangio’s defense, he might do his best work as a slot cornerback or a safety: Maximizing his abilities as a ballhawk and a run defender are going to be crucial. In the short term, he might have to work hard to earn snaps in what is now a crowded Eagles secondary. It wouldn’t be surprising for him to carve out a big role on the defense by the end of his rookie year. Also, he is only 21 years old; two years younger than Quinyon Mitchell.
Jalyx Hunt, Edge Defender, Houston Christian
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 252 Pounds
Most Important Stat: 128” Broad Jump, 4.64 Second 40-Yard Dash, 37.5” Vertical Jump
What he can do: Jalyx Hunt is really, really athletic. Turn on the tape and he was overwhelming FCS blockers with his speed, explosiveness, and long arms. Hunt relied a lot on his relative athletic advantages to dominate competition at a lower level of football.
Eagles Outlook: It is easy to see why Hunt was one of Vic Fangio’s favorite defenders in the draft. Fangio loves speedy edge rushers and that is exactly the dynamic Jalyx Hunt brings to the table. That being said, Hunt is a project player. With Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat, Nolan Smith, and Brandon Graham set to be the top edge guys in 2024, the Eagles have the luxury of time to help Hunt get his bearings and develop him. Hunt should not be much of a factor on the defense this year, but could really grow with time into a vital role player.
Will Shipley, Running Back, Clemson
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 206
Most Important Stat: 31 rushing touchdowns in 34 games
What he can do: Will Shipley was a fixture on Clemson’s offense for the last three years. The Tigers relied on Shipley not just in the running game but also as an outlet in their passing game. He has the abilities of a three-down back, with great acceleration and agility running the football and soft hands when being targeted. He is also well built and can shrug off contact.
Eagles Outlook: Shipley should immediately push to be the RB2 in the Eagles offense behind Saquon Barkley. He is not an overly dynamic player, but has the ability to make the most out of 10-15 touches a game between running and catching the ball. This summer will be a competition between Shipley and Kenny Gainwell to see who will serve in relief of the Eagles’ top back.
Ainias Smith, Wide Receiver, Texas A&M
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 190
Most Important Stat: Two career punt return touchdowns
What he can do: In his five years in College Station, Ainias Smith was a running back, wide receiver, and return man for the Aggies. Smith is an extremely dynamic athlete with great burst, agility, and long speed. He plays very strongly, backed up by his 21 (!) reps of 225 at the NFL combine. He is a very exciting player with the ball in his hands.
Eagles Outlook: The Eagles were clearly drawn to Smith’s returning abilities and his upside as an offensive weapon. Smith’s size might limit him in the NFL by being an offensive starter, but his athleticism warrants a few touches per game on special teams and offense.
Jeremiah Trotter Junior, Linebacker, Clemson
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 228
Most Important Stat: 28.5 tackles for a loss in two years as a starter
What he can do: Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was a force in the middle of the Clemson defense after taking over as a starter in 2022. His football IQ is off the charts, which allowed him to be a high-impact run defender and always be in the right place covering the middle of the field. While Trotter was not the biggest or most athletic linebacker on the team, he made up for it by playing fast and fearlessly while being a great study.
Eagles Outlook: The Eagles linebackers were a liability in 2023, especially after Nakobe Dean was injured. Now, the linebacker room has some more options with Dean healthy and the addition of Devin White and Oren Burks. Jeremiah Trotter Junior will have an uphill climb to see the field as a rookie unless some injuries happen. That being said, he could be a long-term option to start at linebacker after this season assuming he can prove his size and athleticism will not hold him back in the pros.
Trevor Keegan, Offensive Guard, Michigan
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 310
Most Important Stat: Did not allow a sack in 2023 (per Pro Football Focus)
What he can do: Trevor Keegan was a part of a dominant Michigan offensive line that helped carry the Wolverines to a national title last season. He makes an impact with his size, athleticism, and patient pass blocking ability.
Eagles Outlook: The Eagles were no doubt enamored with Trevor Keegan’s size and athleticism when they drafted him. His lack of physicality is a concern, but Jeff Stoutland clearly saw tools that could be developed into a potential starting guard. The Eagles will have an open competition at right guard this summer and Keegan should be in the mix for it despite being a day three pick.
Johnny Wilson, Wide Receiver, Florida State
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 231
Most Important Stat: Ran a 4.51 40 yard dash at 6’7”, 231 pounds
What he can do: Johnny Wilson is an extremely intriguing player. He is massive for a wide receiver, but he moves incredibly well on the field. He is a smooth athlete who ran crisp routes at Florida State. His size makes him a mismatch with the ball in the air and he makes his presence felt with contested catches, but he also does a great job creating separation from defensive backs. Frustrating drops have plagued him over two years as a starter, but it’s hard not to fall in love with his potential.
Eagles Outlook: Admittedly, I was higher on Johnny Wilson than he was drafted, meaning I have some optimism he could push for a role as a rookie. The Eagles WR3 spot is going to be up for grabs with veterans DeVante Parker and Parris Campbell competing with the rookies for snaps. While Wilson will have to battle with more established players this summer, it’s hard not to love the idea of a 6’7” receiver playing slot with AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith on the outside.
Dylan McMahon, Offensive Lineman, North Carolina State
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 299
Most Important Stat: Played hundreds of snaps at center, right guard, and left guard in his career.
What he can do: Dylan McMahon was a Swiss Army knife for the Wolfpack’s offensive line over the last three years. He played over 2,220 snaps in that time between the three interior positions and was competent at all three. McMahon is good athlete who moves well in space and does his best work as a pass blocker.
Eagles Outlook: The Eagles likely view McMahon as a center given his size profile, which means he will offer some high-upside depth behind Cam Jurgens this season and for the foreseeable future.
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