The Eagles added cornerbacks with their first two draft picks in last April’s selection process, and it was a significant reason for the dramatic turnaround on defense.
The Associated Press revealed their 2024 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist, and Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell were named.
DeJean was among the highest-rated players in the slot, holding opponents to 50 receptions. He had five pass breakups, and quarterbacks had an 82.2 passer rating against him.
Mitchell ranked 3rd among NFL CBs with 16 forced incompletions, trailing only Zyon McCollum (17) and Denzel Ward (17). He was 3rd among CBs in yards allowed per coverage snap (0.8) behind Pat Surtain (0.6) and Derek Stingley (0.7) (min. 600 coverage snaps).
Rams defensive tackle Braden Fiske led the team, and all rookies had 8 1/2 sacks. He had 51 pressures, two forced fumbles and recoveries, 10 tackles for loss, and 10 quarterback hits.
Dolphins edge Chop Robinson had six sacks, 20 pressures, and eight tackles for loss.
Rams edge Jared Verse had 4 1/2 sacks but led all rookies in quarterback hits (18), pressures (77) and hurries (56). He also had 11 tackles for loss.
