Eagles insider sees scenario where both rookie cornerbacks start Week 1
The Philadelphia Eagles secondary and what they play to do with their rookie cornerbacks, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, is a major focus point this offseason. So far at OTAs, the two rookies have been getting looks with the second-team defense with Mitchell lining up outside and DeJean at nickel. Cornerbacks Darius Slay, Avonte Maddox, […]
The Philadelphia Eagles secondary and what they play to do with their rookie cornerbacks, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, is a major focus point this offseason.
So far at OTAs, the two rookies have been getting looks with the second-team defense with Mitchell lining up outside and DeJean at nickel.
Cornerbacks Darius Slay, Avonte Maddox, and Isaiah Rodgers were with the first-team defense.
But ESPN's Eagles insider Tim McManus sees a scenario where the rookies end starting in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers in Brazil.
"There is a real possibility both of the rookie DBs end up in the starting lineup Week 1," McManus said during an appearance on 97.5 The Fanatics last week. "You can envision a scenario where you have Quinyon Mitchell at one of the outside corner spots, and Cooper DeJean replacing Avonte Maddox as the starting slot corner."
That would mean Mitchell would have to beat out Rodgers while DeJean does the same to Maddox.
And from what one veteran is saying about the rookies, it could easily happen.
Eagles Rookies Receive Nod of Approval from Slay
Slay spoke to the media following the Eagles' first OTAs session and had nothing but high praise to sing about them.
He was a fan of Mitchell's off-man coverage skills.
"Quick dude that's got a quick twitch," Slay said of Mitchell. "I love his off-man. You know I'm real good at off-man what I do. I watched his tape in college for a good minute. Some things that I'm gonna help him with that he asked me already to do and that's my duty to do. I'm looking forward to helping him because I see great talent in him. Looking forward to seeing him make a lot of plays for this organization."
As for DeJean, he enjoyed seeing his versatility in person. DeJean not only lined up in the slot but also outside and took some reps fielding punts.
"Oh, man. Good. He's very athletic," Slay said excitedly about DeJean. "As you can see, a guy that's versatile. He was everywhere. Right now both of them are just quiet, so I'm trying to get them to talk a little bit. But, both of these guys are very athletic. Very talented. I'm looking forward to keep working with them."
The Eagles kick off their second voluntary OTAs workout on Tuesday, May 28.
