Latest news with #cornerbacks
Yahoo
11 hours ago
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- Yahoo
Eagles' Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean Already Ranked Among NFL's Best CB Duos
Eagles' Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean Already Ranked Among NFL's Best CB Duos originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Just one year after being drafted, Eagles cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean have been ranked as the NFL's third-best cornerback duo by Pro Football Focus, validating Philadelphia's defensive transformation and signaling a bright future for the franchise. Advertisement After years of struggling in their defensive secondary, the Philadelphia Eagles made a bold statement in the 2024 NFL Draft. With their first-round pick, the Eagles selected cornerback Quinyon Mitchell at No. 22 overall. Then, early in the second round, Philadelphia took another defensive back in Cooper DeJean at pick No. 40. What many viewed as a reach for Mitchell and a steal for DeJean has proven to be one of the most successful draft executions in recent memory. Mitchell and DeJean came in at No. 3 on PFF's list, trailing only Christian Benford and Taron Johnson of the Buffalo Bills and the Houston Texans' duo of Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter. The impact was immediate and dramatic. The revamp happened overnight, as Philadelphia went from 31st in pass yards allowed per game (252.7) to first (174.2), a difference of 78.5 yards. This improvement wasn't just about scheme changes under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio — it was about having two elite talents ready to contribute from day one. Mitchell, who plays almost exclusively on the outside, did not allow a touchdown in coverage until Week 16, despite starting the entire season. He finished with just two scores allowed all year and 15 forced incompletions — third most in the NFL. Mitchell ranked eighth among cornerbacks in PFF overall grade (78.4), while DeJean's 82.0 mark tied for third. Among 60 qualifying rookie cornerbacks over the past six seasons, their PFF overall grades rank third and seventh, respectively. Advertisement DeJean's story is remarkable considering his delayed start due to a hamstring injury that limited him to just eight defensive snaps over the first four games. But once he gained his footing, DeJean became nearly unshakable — not allowing a touchdown on 97 targets during the regular season. His signature moment came in Super Bowl LIX, when DeJean became the first player in Super Bowl history to intercept a pass or score a touchdown on his birthday, returning a Patrick Mahomes pass 38 yards for a touchdown. It was only the second pick-6 by a rookie in Super Bowl history and helped propel the Eagles to a 40-22 victory over Kansas City. Both rookies were finalists for Defensive Rookie of the Year, with Mitchell finishing as the runner-up to Jared Verse and DeJean coming in fourth. Their exceptional play was instrumental in the Eagles winning their second Super Bowl in the last seven years. With Vic Fangio returning as defensive coordinator and a full year of NFL experience under their belts, the foundation for sustained excellence is already in place. Throughout his time running the Eagles' front office, Howie Roseman has put together a strong track record when it comes to the draft, and with Mitchell and DeJean already viewed as a top-3 CB duo, it appears he has struck gold yet again. Advertisement The Eagles' cornerback room transformation from liability to elite unit in a single season stands as one of the most dramatic turnarounds in recent NFL history. With Mitchell and DeJean now established as a top-3 cornerback duo entering just their second season, the future looks incredibly bright for Philadelphia's defense. Related: Jalen Carter Endorses Eagles Rookie Related: Eagles Bet on Breakout Potential of Kenyon Green and Azeez Ojulari This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Indianapolis Colts' OTAs: The big question at cornerback
The Indianapolis Colts will begin Phase III of the offseason programs on May 28th, which means the start of voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Rather than only doing individual drills as the Colts have been doing, they will now be permitted to do 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 team drills, although no live contact is allowed. Advertisement So with this important part of the offseason schedule about to begin, I wanted to highlight one big question facing each position group. Up next are the cornerbacks. Below you can find our previous position previews. How deep will Indianapolis Colts' cornerback rotation go? Under new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, there is going to be a much greater reliance on the defensive back position group. With many offenses wanting to push the ball through the passing game, defenses need to be able to match that personnel so they don't find themselves in disadvantageous situations. "It's been a matchup league and certainly if the offense puts out a certain personnel group you want to be able to match it with what they're doing," Anarumo said during offseason programs. "Especially on third down, you want to get cover guys covering receivers. Nowadays, tight ends, the days to me of putting linebackers on tight ends is not ideal for the defense. Advertisement "So you always want to get a bigger, longer athlete that maybe can run a little bit. A DB mindset. So more DBs out there in pure passing situations is something that we've always tried to do and will continue to do." So whether it be with an additional cornerback or safety, we are going to see more dime personnel packages from the Colts, where there are six defensive backs on the field. GM Chris Ballard has reshaped the cornerback room this offseason. This includes signing Charvarius Ward and drafting Justin Walley in the top 100. What we can say right now is that Ward and Kenny Moore will be on the field. But beyond those two, how things shake out at the other starting outside cornerback position remains to be seen. If I were to guess right now, Jaylon Jones is starting Week 1, but I wouldn't be surprised if there are specific down-and-distances where Anarumo tries to get Walley--or perhaps JuJu Brents--involved. Advertisement This new defensive scheme is going to be disguise-heavy to keep opponents off balance and matchup-driven, with flexible game plans based on what the offense runs. So I could see the Colts cornerback rotation this season going four or even five deep, depending on what's needed in a given week. This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts OTAs: Who starts at CB alongside Charvarius Ward, Kenny Moore?
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
A rising Penn State football star for James Franklin? 'I have never seen that before.'
Penn State football returns one of the top cornerback rooms in the Big Ten and beyond. And it only appears to be trending upwards this spring. Four experienced corners − all juniors − are back from the group that sparked a defense ranked fourth nationally in interceptions, seventh in total yards and was lauded for its aggressive pass coverage. Advertisement Now, one of them is enjoying an offseason like no other. Elliot Washington has developed from a special teams standout as a true freshman to a top backup last year − to one of the most intriguing players on the team. Take Penn State's six graded winter workout sessions under new coordinator Jim Knowles, as evidence. Washington was stunningly named the top cornerback performer each time. He's now the favorite to start opposite A.J. Harris this season. Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Elliot Washington II (9) against the Boise State Broncos during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images "I've never seen that before. Never had a guy win every single one," coach James Franklin said of Washington's workout accolades. "I tell my coaches all the time, this isn't like elementary school or kindergarten or little league, where everybody gets a smiley face and you try to spread the wealth so everybody's happy. You give it to the guy who's earned it, and Elliot came to work every single day. Advertisement "(He's) super-explosive, maybe the most explosive guy we have on our team," Franklin said, continuing. "Maybe the most horsepower in terms of speed on our team. There's a lot of excitement in the building and he's earned it." Nov 2, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) is pushed out of bounds by Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Elliot Washington II (9) after running the ball during the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images Penn State football cornerbacks: A.J. Harris to Zion Tracy to Audavion Collins Last spring, Audavion Collins, the transfer from Mississippi State, received repeated praise as the team's most improved defender. While he did flash his instincts and skills (26 tackles, interception) last fall, he couldn't break through with so many fighting for time. "He's gotten better every single semester and every single year," Franklin said of Collins. "We expect him to take another step this year and factor in, whether as a starter or in the rotation. He's been a really good pickup for us. He's a positive guy, always has a smile on his face, always has great energy." Advertisement Penn State's cornerback room, led by longtime assistant Terry Smith, is impressively deep, even after losing starter Jalen Kimber to the NFL and Cam Miller, who transferred to Rutgers. Impact freshmen: Which Penn State football freshmen may play right away? LaVar Arrington and 6 others PSU podcast: Penn State football podcast: D.J. Dozier on Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen, winning a title PSU vs. Oklahoma State: Trying to copy Penn State wrestling? Zack Ryder, the latest Lion to join Oklahoma State Harris is the No. 1 starter after earning All-Big Ten recognition last season (48 tackles, five pass breakups, interception). Zion Tracy thrived as a backup and returned an interception for a touchdown against Ohio State. And Washington led the team with six pass breakups, despite missing a couple of games to injury. Advertisement A trio of freshmen corners, including incoming rookie Daryus Dixson, one of the top defensive back recruits in the nation, will push the frontliners this spring and summer. Frank Bodani covers Penn State football for the York Daily Record and USA Today Network. Contact him at fbodani@ and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @YDRPennState. This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Penn State football: CB Elliot Washington is a rising star
