Three 'ride-or-die' rookies for the Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles fans obviously want the team’s draft picks to play well, but expect Philadelphia to pull even harder for these rookies in 2024.

CB Cooper DeJean

DeJean wasn’t supposed to reach the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but once he did, Philadelphia quickly traded a pair of second-round picks and a fifth-round selection to get him. Expectations for the former All-American are high but could go even higher if OTAs are any indication.

According to Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia, DeJean looked impressive while working as the first-team nickel cornerback in 7-on-7s and as an outside cornerback with the second team.

DeJean was named Big Ten Defensive Back and Big Ten Punt Returner of the Year last season despite missing his final four games with a leg injury. He and wide receiver Britain Covey handled punts exclusively in recent practices, so one way or another, a versatile player like DeJean should see plenty of regular-season action.

DE/OLB Jalyx Hunt 

Philadelphia loves an underdog and who better to fill that role than Hunt, a converted safety still learning to play defensive end? Hunt put on 50 pounds to switch positions and became the first player in school history to be selected in the NFL Draft.

That’s cause for celebration as Hunt showed on draft day. Minutes after speaking with team owner Jeffrey Lurie, Hunt dove into a pool, still wearing his draft-day suit, with family and friends. Philadelphia also loves over-the-top gestures.