The Eagles’ 2024 draft haul reminds me of their class from 2002, which fueled a Super Bowl run shortly thereafter. Casual observers might not remember the impact of Lito Sheppard (Round 1, No. 26 overall), Michael Lewis (Round 2, No. 58), Sheldon Brown (Round 2, No, 59) and Brian Westbrook (Round 3, No. 91), but die-hard Eagles fans understand how that group helped the team consistently compete with the league’s heavyweights and reach Super Bowl XXXIX three seasons later. 

Last season, Philly’s defense ranked 31st against the pass, 26th overall and 30th in points allowed, and the team fizzled in the Wild Card Round. This season, the Eagles rank first in the NFL in both passing and overall defense and sit third in points allowed. And cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell (Round 1, No. 22) and Cooper DeJean (Round 2, No. 40) are leading the defensive resurgence with their suffocating cover skills. The duo’s intelligence, athleticism and versatility have enabled coordinator Vic Fangio to throw a blanket over opposing passing games utilizing various zone and man “match” concepts that keep quarterbacks guessing within the pocket. Mitchell is tied for the lead among all rookies in passes defensed (12) this season, while DeJean ranks second in the NFL in total target EPA (minus-28.3) as the nearest defender, per Next Gen Stats (minimum of 200 coverage snaps).

Jalyx Hunt (Round 3, No. 94) has appeared on just 22.5 percent of the Eagles’ defensive snaps, but he’s flashed disruptive potential as a rotational player, logging 21 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a pair of tackles for loss. Hunt is a starter-in-waiting for a team that hoards pass-rushing specialists in the bullpen, and the addition to the pipeline of the Cornell and Houston Christian product is another example of how GM Howie Roseman “rebuilds” his roster years before it needs to be repaired. 

If running back Will Shipley (Round 4, No. 127) rounds into form as a potential Brian Westbrook clone and receiver Johnny Wilson (Round 6, No. 185) — who has been targeted just 10 times this season but did log his first career TD catch — continues to develop, the Eagles are poised to make an extended run as title contenders.