In his rookie season, Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean was not just another player, but one of the better slot corners in the NFL.
Last season, according to Pro Football Focus, DeJean was rated fourth out of 222 corners, and he was ranked 60th on the NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2025.
DeJean’s versatility was on full display last season as he played all over the field. Despite not securing any interceptions in the regular season, he made a game-changing play in the Eagles’ Super Bowl 59 victory over the Chiefs. It was DeJean who intercepted a pass from the formidable Patrick Mahomes and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown, a play that showcased his potential and left a lasting impression on the fans.
With the departure of C.J. Gardner-Johnson and the uncertainty surrounding the young players at the safety spot, including this year’s second-round pick, Andrew Mukuba, the versatile DeJean has been stepping up during training camp. His willingness to adapt and learn has seen him spend time at the safety position, a move that could prove crucial for the Eagles’ defensive strategy this season.
According to Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, DeJean has the potential to be a quality safety in the NFL.
“Yeah, and just like I thought, he can be a good safety,” Fangio said. “Just the other day, we had a route that we struggled with last year in games to pick up, and he did it like he’d been a safety his whole life. So yeah, he’ll be a good safety if we need him there.”
The Eagles would like to keep DeJean in the slot. Again, he was productive in that position and made plays for the team, so with that being said, the team might have to acquire a safety before the start of the season, or if they feel comfortable, maybe they’ll start DeJean at safety.
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