Cooper DeJean, a promising rookie cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles, has emerged as one of the most intriguing talents in the NFL through Week 11 of the season. After a shaky start due to an injury that limited his preseason opportunities, DeJean has now established himself as a vital member of the Eagles’ defense, particularly since Week 6.
Initially drafted 40th overall, despite being rated as the eighth-best player on the PFF Big Board, DeJean faced challenges that caused him to fall in the draft. His injury during training camp restricted his playtime in the early games, resulting in only a few defensive snaps and a focus on special teams.
However, following the Eagles’ Week 5 bye, DeJean’s performance has taken off. Averaging 52 defensive snaps per game, he has consistently posted strong performance grades, with only one game registering below a 70.6 grade. His standout performance came in Week 7 against the Giants, where he notched an impressive 86.3 PFF game grade.
Despite a rougher outing against the Commanders in Week 11, where he posted a season-low PFF rating, his overall numbers this season remain commendable. With an 83.7 PFF season-long grade before the Commanders game and impressive coverage statistics, DeJean continues to rank among the league’s top cornerbacks.
His partnership with another rookie cornerback, Quinyon Mitchell, is shaping up to be a formidable duo, promising a bright future for the Eagles’ defensive backfield in a competitive division.
The hopeful perspective here is that DeJean’s adjustments and resilience following early setbacks are indicative of his potential growth as a player. If he can bounce back from these challenges, fans can anticipate an exciting season ahead as he and Mitchell work together to elevate the Eagles’ defense, creating further opportunities to succeed on the field.