Cooper DeJean is finding his way into top cornerback conversations
COOPER DEJEAN PICK TO THE HOUSE!📺: #SBLIX on FOX📱: Tubi + NFL app pic.twitter.com/y4Q4bGTHE2
Cooper DeJean was the first rookie to have a pick-six in a Super Bowl since 1986. He was the highest-graded cornerback last season, according to Pro Football Focus. If he didn't replace Avonte Maddox after the bye week, would they have won a championship?
DeJean's impact was felt throughout the 2024-25 season, and league circles are paying attention. ESPN released their top-10 cornerback rankings on Thursday, and while DeJean didn't crack the list, he received several votes. His fellow draftmate, Quinyoin Mitchell, was ranked ninth.
Versatility and athleticism are what make DeJean a special player. Here's a breakdown of DeJean's snaps from the regular and postseason via PFF:
With Darius Slay and Isaiah Rodgers departing in free agency, the Eagles want DeJean on the field as much as possible. Vic Fangio has even considered giving him more snaps outside or at safety in base packages. DeJean moved around frequently in college but never played extensively at the safety position.
'I'll play wherever, to be honest,' DeJean said in May. 'Wherever they put me on the football field, I'll play there. As long as I'm out there, I'll be ready to play no matter the position, whether it's corner, nickel, or safety.'
DeJean recorded 51 tackles and six pass breakups during his rookie season, finishing fourth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
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