Cooper DeJean, a standout rookie cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles, has established himself as a promising player in the NFL following Week 11 of the season. Originally drafted as the 40th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, DeJean’s talent was evident during his collegiate career at Iowa, where he played a crucial role on a top-tier defense.
Throughout the season, DeJean has averaged 52 defensive snaps per game since becoming a regular fixture in the Eagles’ defense. His performance has been predominantly strong, earning no less than a 70.6 PFF game grade and a coverage grade above 68.8 in almost all his games. His best performance came during Week 7 against the Giants, where he achieved an impressive 86.3 overall grade, complemented by an 87.4 coverage grade.
However, despite a less favorable showing in Week 11 against the Commanders — where he recorded a season-low grade of 53.5 — his overall season statistics remain solid. Before the Commanders game, he boasted an impressive 83.7 overall PFF grade and an 85.9 coverage grade, ranking among the top cornerbacks in the league.
DeJean’s journey to this stage has not been without challenge. A hamstring injury during training camp hampered his early performance, restricting him to only eight snaps in his first four games. Nevertheless, since gaining significant playing time in Week 6, he has emerged as a key player in the Eagles’ secondary, contributing significantly to their defensive stability and effectiveness.
The emergence of DeJean alongside fellow rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell creates a promising young tandem for the Eagles, crucial in a competitive NFC East division featuring quarterbacks like Dak Prescott and Jayden Daniels. This strong defensive duo could provide the Eagles with a long-term advantage as they continue to develop their skills.
In summary, while Cooper DeJean faced a setback in his recent game, his overall body of work throughout the season reflects his potential to become one of the league’s top cornerbacks. As he continues to grow and adapt to the NFL level, there is much to be hopeful about regarding his future and the Eagles’ defensive prospects.