2024-25 NFL: 5 Philadelphia Eagles Rookie Who Will Make An Impact

As the 2024-25 NFL season approaches, the Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up with a mix of veteran talent and fresh faces eager to make their mark. The Eagles’ recent draft class has generated excitement among fans and analysts alike, with several rookies showing immense potential during preseason workouts and games. 

With the team’s eyes set on another deep playoff run, these young players could play pivotal roles in shaping the season’s outcome. In this blog, we’ll highlight five Philadelphia Eagles rookies poised to significantly impact this season, bringing energy, skill, and fresh dynamics to the team.

CB Cooper DeJean

As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for the 2024-25 NFL season, one rookie generating significant buzz is cornerback Cooper DeJean from Iowa. Selected in the second round, DeJean brings a combination of speed, agility, and football intelligence that has quickly caught the attention of the Eagles’ coaching staff.

DeJean, a versatile defensive back, is expected to see early playing time for the Philadelphia Eagles due to his ability to play multiple positions, including outside, inside, and safety. His athleticism and coverage skills make him a valuable asset on defense and special teams. 

With a strong college record, including 13 passes defended, seven interceptions, and three pick-sixes, DeJean is a potential Rookie of the Year candidate. He’s likely to start as the Eagles’ top nickel corner while contributing to kickoff returns and providing depth across the secondary.

DeJean’s development could be crucial as the season progresses in bolstering the Eagles’ defense, especially against teams with strong passing attacks. His impact on the field might also influence the Philadelphia Eagles odds throughout the season, as his ability to shut down opposing receivers could be a game-changer in tight matchups. 

With his talent and work ethic, Cooper DeJean is poised to make an immediate and lasting impact in his rookie year with the Eagles.

CB Quinyon Mitchell

Mitchell became the first Toledo player to be drafted in the 1st round of the NFL Draft since Dan Williams in 1993 (11th overall by Denver).

Over four seasons at Toledo, Mitchell played in 46 games (starting 40). He posted impressive stats as a cornerback: 6 interceptions, 2 of which were returned for touchdowns, 122 tackles, 46 passes defended, and 6.5 tackles for loss. 

He led the FBS in 2022 with 25 passes defended, finishing his career with the most in Toledo’s history. Mitchell has the potential to start for Philadelphia in Week 1.

RB Will Shipley

He ran a wheel pattern down the left sideline for about 20 yards, gained ground on Julian Okwara, and caught a pass from Jalen Hurts perfectly without faltering. He then fell to the ground, demonstrating triumphantly that he still had the football in his hands.

It was the kind of play rarely seen from running backs, mid-round draft picks, or rookies. That was, however, Will Shipley, making the kind of play that makes rookies stand out during a 7-on-7 practice on Monday during training camp.

As a rookie 4th-round pick, Shipley likely has secured his spot on the roster, but a play like that can do wonders for him. It can help build trust with Hurts, strengthen his relationship with play-caller Kellen Moore, and potentially earn him playing time during the regular season.

Shipley is the Eagles’ clear RB3 behind Saquon Barkley and Kenny Gainwell. However, in the early days of camp, he’s impressed with his ability to catch everything and showcase great bursts with the ball.

At Clemson, Shipley excelled as a runner, accumulating nearly 3,000 yards, averaging 5.2 yards per carry, and scoring 31 touchdowns over three seasons. But his 69 catches for 486 yards as a receiver caught the Eagles’ attention, highlighting his versatility.

LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

Despite initial nerves, Trotter Jr., son of Philadelphia Eagles legend Jeremiah Trotter, made a strong impression in his NFL debut. Playing in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens, Trotter Jr. first made a critical special teams tackle, preventing a significant punt return. 

This play boosted his confidence, leading to an impactful performance where he recorded five tackles, a sack, a pressure, and a quarterback hit. Trotter Jr. has been rising through the Eagles’ depth chart during training camp, working with the second team at inside linebacker.

His debut mirrors his father’s rookie success on special teams in 1998. Grateful for the opportunity, Trotter Jr. aims to continue improving and contributing to the team.

OL Trevor Keegan 

The Philadelphia Eagles bolstered their offensive line by drafting Trevor Keegan in 2024. Keegan, a four-star recruit and the top player in Illinois for the 2019 class, emerged as a standout at Michigan by his third year, contributing to the team’s Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line in 2021 and 2022. 

He earned All-Big Ten honors and was named a team captain in Michigan’s undefeated 2023 season, starting all 15 games. Keegan is known for his technical soundness, leadership, and tenacity, making him a strong fit for the Eagles. 

However, he needs to improve his quickness and footwork, and his strength against NFL defensive linemen remains a question mark, leading to his selection in the later rounds of the draft.

Conclusion

The Philadelphia Eagles’ 2024-25 season looks promising, with rookies Cooper DeJean, Quinyon Mitchell, Will Shipley, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., and Trevor Keegan bringing unique talents. Their versatility, playmaking, and tenacity are set to contribute to the team’s success significantly, giving Eagles fans much to anticipate this season.