Cooper DeJean, one of the standout rookies in the 2024 NFL Draft, has shown remarkable promise in his role with the Philadelphia Eagles as the season unfolds. After establishing himself as a regular on the Eagles’ defense, DeJean has consistently demonstrated a strong performance, averaging 52 defensive snaps per game with a solid track record; he posted a PFF game grade above 70.6 in all but one game to date.
Despite experiencing a challenging Week 11 against the Washington Commanders, where he recorded a season-low PFF grade of 53.5, his overall stats for the season remain impressive. Before this game, DeJean had an exceptional performance history, sitting at the top ranks for coverage among NFL cornerbacks, highlighting his potential to become a key player in the league.
Originating from Iowa, where he excelled as a top cornerback on an elite defense, DeJean was somewhat of a hidden gem in the draft due to a hamstring injury that limited his early career opportunities. Taken as the 40th overall pick by the Eagles, this selection has turned out to be quite fruitful, especially as he has shown outstanding versatility since being unleashed in Week 6.
Throughout his time on the field, he recorded significant achievements including not allowing a touchdown and earning notable stops in coverage, ranking tied for fourth in the league. Although the recent performance against the Commanders brought his season-long grades down, the Eagles seem to be developing a young and formidable cornerback duo with DeJean and fellow cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, which bodes well for their future, especially in a competitive division.
This new defensive strength not only positions the Eagles favorably against other teams but also signals a positive trajectory for DeJean as he continues to grow and adapt to the rigors of the NFL. Fans can remain hopeful that with continued experience, DeJean will refine his skills and become a cornerstone of the Eagles’ defense for years to come.