Cooper DeJean Has Found His Groove

Philadelphia Eagles rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean has hit the ground running since becoming a nearly every-down starter in Week 6. DeJean has been a big-time contributor to an outstanding secondary that ranks third in passing (173.4/game). The first-year playmaker is helping position the Eagles for a potential Super Bowl run.

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman entered the offseason needing to revamp a passing defense that ranked 31st in the league last season. A bunch of underperforming aging players like James Bradberry and Kevin Byard were at the center of those struggles. Legendary defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was hired to make changes to the scheme and an injection of youth was required.

Roseman responded by drafting DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell with premium selections. Understanding the need, Roseman used his first two draft selections on cornerbacks. Both DeJean and Mitchell are playing high-level football for the NFL's most improved defensive backfield.

DeJean began the season slowly after missing the majority of training camp and the preseason with a hamstring injury. DeJean played eight total snaps in Philadelphia's first four games as the Eagles wisely managed his early season workload. Following the Week 5 bye, head coach Nick Sirianni and Fangio decided to ramp up his involvement.

DeJean took over as the Eagles' nickel cornerback and he's been thriving ever since. The former Iowa standout has played a minimum of 85 percent of Fangio's available defensive snaps in five of Philadelphia’s six post-bye games to date. DeJean has already become the Eagles' third-most snapped cornerback behind just Mitchell (524) and Darius Slay Jr. (385).

Pro Football Focus has credited DeJean with allowing 17 receptions on 26 targets for 108 yards. The No. 40 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, DeJean has yet to allow a single touchdown in coverage. He hasn't been whistled for a single penalty this year.

DeJean hasn't allowed more than 41 receiving yards in any single appearance this campaign. In 31 coverage snaps versus the New York Giants, he allowed seven measly yards. In a blowout victory over the Dallas Cowboys this past weekend, DeJean was credited with forfeiting 11 yards.

The numbers equate to DeJean allowing 6.4 yards per reception. Opposing quarterbacks are seeing a passer rating of 73.9, the 20th-lowest in the NFL when targeting him in coverage. They aren’t necessarily testing him down the field either. DeJean’s average depth of target (aDoT) is just 5.2, eighth-lowest among all cornerbacks, meaning they’re keeping everything around the line of scrimmage.

DeJean's overall coverage grade of 85.9 leads all qualifying cornerbacks (minimum snaps). He’s added 19 tackles, 10 stops, three pass breakups, and one fumble recovery to his overall defensive totals. DeJean has been a force multiplier for an Eagles defense allowing a sixth-best 17.9 points per game.

The 7-2 Eagles have captured five consecutive victories and have overtaken the Washington Commanders for the NFC East division lead. The Eagles are a much-improved defense under Fangio's aggressive direction. DeJean's rookie performance is a big reason why.