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.”
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.”
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