Latest news with #DariusCooper
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Philadelphia Eagles found hidden NFL gem at wide receiver with undrafted rookie
Philadelphia Eagles found hidden NFL gem at wide receiver with undrafted rookie originally appeared on The Sporting News The Philadelphia Eagles continue to have an insane knack for evaluating talent and making their already-stacked NFL roster even better. The latest example of this came during the team's opening preseason matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals and it became very clear that Howie Roseman and Co. have stumbled upon yet another incredibly capable wide receiver. Darius Cooper was an undrafted free agent that the Birds took a chance on this offseason after coming out of small Division 1 program Tarleton State. However, Cooper not only exhibited that he can hang with the backups in the team's preseason win Thursday but that he may be able to push for a roster spot and playing time once the regular season rolls around for the Super Bowl champions. The 23 year old finished the night as Philly's top receiver with the most targets, catches, yards and hauled in a touchdown pass from backup quarterback Tanner McKee. This is just another positive sign for an Eagles offense that already has immense weapons on the outside with A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith, while also throwing in the best running back in football with Saquon Barkley at the helm. Jalen Hurts and the offense could now have stumbled on another target that spreads the ball around the field even more, and if he keeps up his strong summer it's very likely that Cooper will be in the mix for a roster spot. MORE EAGLES NEWS: A.J. Brown drops epic quote about Philadelphia Eagles attempt to defend NFL Lombardi Trophy Philadelphia Eagles put NFL on notice after adding Las Vegas Raiders star corner How much will Philadelphia Eagles pay Jalen Carter after NFL star's massive contract extension? Eagles star Cam Jurgens reveals wild technique he uses to train for NFL games Philadelphia Eagles top NFC rival could weaken after Dallas Cowboys star demands trade
USA Today
18 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Eagles vs. Bengals recap: 5 things we learned in Philadelphia's preseason win
The reigning Super Bowl champions opened the preseason with a 34-27 win over Cincinnati Despite a hot start from Joe Burrow, the Eagles held off the Cincinnati Bengals 34-27 for their first preseason victory of 2025. Jalen Hurts, along with many other starters, didn't suit up for this game, but there were plenty of standouts on Thursday night. Here are some notable storylines coming out of Philadelphia: Micah Parsons for Tanner McKee straight up, who says no? In all seriousness, McKee could start for maybe 12 NFL teams right now. The Browns, Jets, Colts, Saints, Giants, and Vikings immediately come to mind. Luckily for the Eagles, GM Howie Roseman isn't shipping this man out for anything less than a first-round pick. McKee, who honestly should've been Hurts' backup as early as 2023, displayed poise and accuracy throughout the night. He led four scoring drives and finished 20/25 for 252 yards, three total touchdowns (one tush push), and a 135.3 passer rating. McKee's throw to Darius Cooper down the right sideline was a thing of beauty, hitting him in stride en route to the endzone. If Hurts misses any time this season, McKee is more than capable of winning games in a pinch, and he's under contract for another two years. Beyond A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson, Philadelphia doesn't have much proven depth at wide receiver. Three young guys took advantage of the opportunity on Thursday night. The aforementioned Darius Cooper was the team's leading receiver, recording six receptions for 82 yards and a 20-yard TD from McKee. The undrafted free agent from Tarleton State has been consistently making plays in training camp and carried that momentum into preseason. Johnny Wilson has had a quiet summer but impressed in live action, using his physically imposing frame to haul in three tough catches. Not many receivers, if any, possess his size (6-6, 228 pounds). If Wilson can have consistent hands, he'll be a dangerous weapon within the offense. Wilson's draft-mate, Ainias Smith, also had a productive night. He caught a six-yard touchdown pass from McKee and later returned a punt 46 yards to set up another scoring drive. Special teams was Smith's most ideal path to a roster spot; he improved his chances mightily with this outing. Third-year player Kelee Ringo and veteran Adoree' Jackson have been entrenched in a camp battle to determine the starting cornerback opposite Quinyon Mitchell. Neither player helped their case in the preseason opener. Ringo was targeted four times in coverage and allowed four catches for 79 yards and a touchdown to Ja'Marr Chase. Jackson was targeted five times in coverage and allowed four catches (one was dropped) for 45 yards. Granted, Burrow played the entire first quarter, and Chase is arguably the league's best wide receiver, but Vic Fangio can't be too thrilled with what he watched. Roseman trading for Jakorian Bennett lends credence to the theory that Fangio isn't sold on his current cornerback room. The coming weeks will be interesting. Thomas Booker was a productive player for Philadelphia, but the team felt good enough about their DT depth to move on from him. The performances of Ty Robinson and Gabe Hall vindicated that decision. Robinson, a fourth-round pick out of Nebraska, got his first NFL sack on Jake Browning in the second quarter. Hall was a disruptive force all game long, consistently generating pressure and pushing his way into the backfield. Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Robinson, and Hall give the Eagles a strong top-five. At long last, it seems Tyler Steen has a firm grasp of the starting right guard job and isn't letting go. Steen has gotten every first-team rep ten days into training camp and, surprisingly, played on Thursday night while other starters sat. Steen executed a tremendous seal block that helped running back Will Shipley break loose for a 38-yard gain in the first quarter. One series was enough for Nick Sirianni to pull Steen for the remainder of the game. After losing his spot to Mekhi Becton last season, Steen is laser-focused in 2025.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Eagles' rookie WR joins a growing list of players to watch in preseason games
Add another rookie wide receiver, Darius Cooper to the growing list of players to watch Do this job long enough, and people will often ask you a question: 'What do you talk about when the Philadelphia Eagles' season ends?' Typically, that question is answered by stating the following. When exactly does football season end? February alone brings the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. Then, we're discussing collegiate prospects, Pro Days, and Top 30 visits until the NFL Draft in April. Once that's done, we're on to rookie minicamps, OTAs, mandatory minicamps, and training camp. Guess what? Another rookie seems to be turning heads. We know who the Eagles' top three wide receivers are. There are also tons of talented players competing for a possible three available spots on the 53-man roster. Eagles' preseason practices cast a spotlight on another rookie WR Terrace Marshall had a physical setback and missed some time at training camp practice. That opened the door for some of the young guys, and they wasted no time in walking right through. Elijah Cooks has turned heads. He has been the fourth-best receiver at camp, but another rookie has also made a name for himself. Write Darius Cooper's name down if you haven't already. He earned some unprompted praise from his head coach during a recent Nick Sirianni press conference. An Eagles executive echoed Coach's words while speaking with Sports Illustrated. "The kid keeps making plays". Anyone who has seen him work will agree with the sentiment. The undrafted rookie provided two highlight-reel moments recently. He laid out to snag one during an end-of-game situational drill, and he beat fifth-round draftee Mac McWilliams on a slot fade from Tanner McKee during another session. McWilliams has been impressive too, but he gives up an inch in height and 25 pounds to the more stout Cooper. Cooper isn't expected to make the 53-man roster, but the Eagles hope the 76 receptions, 1,450 yards receiving, and 14 TDs translate. The level of competition he is seeing now far exceeds what he saw with the Tarleton State Texans, but it is good to see he is making the most of opportunities.
