In a bid to strengthen their defensive lineup, the Philadelphia Eagles made a significant decision during the second round of the NFL Draft, selecting Cooper DeJean, a talented cornerback from the University of Iowa.
This move, coming right after their first-round pick of Toledo cornerback Quinton Mitchell, clearly shows the Eagles’ strategic focus on enhancing their secondary.
A Promising Addition to Philadelphia Eagles’ Roster
Cooper DeJean, picked 40th overall, is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the Eagles’ defensive strategy. According to a scout from the NFL Analysis Network, the selection of DeJean could be one of the steals of the draft.
“What an absolute steal again for the Eagles,” the scout noted, highlighting the team’s back-to-back strong picks. “They steal Quinyon Mitchell in the first round and then steal Cooper DeJean in the second. He’s going to be an absolute superstar. How he slipped past the middle stage of the first round is beyond me.”
The praise didn’t stop there, as the scout added, “Howie Roseman and the Eagles are winning this draft, and it’s not even close from a value perspective.” This commendation is particularly notable given the Eagles’ recent struggles in pass defense, where they ranked 31st in the league last season.
With 40th the pick in the NFL draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select
COOPER DEJEAN
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA‼️🙌 pic.twitter.com/4eJtpr83pK— Barstool Iowa (@BarstoolUIowa) April 26, 2024
Cooper DeJean’s Collegiate Highlights and Future Prospects
DeJean’s trajectory has been impressive, with a breakout second season at Iowa marked by 75 tackles, three tackles for loss, five interceptions, eight passes defended, and three defensive touchdowns.
His performance in the 2023 season, which included 41 tackles, a couple of interceptions, and five passes defended, further solidifies his potential to impact the NFL significantly.
Despite his initial minimal role at Iowa in 2021, DeJean’s rapid development and substantial contributions on the field have set him up as a promising young star in professional football. His ability to adapt and excel could be crucial for the Eagles, who are looking to revamp their defensive strategy.
Philadelphia Eagles’ Strategic Focus on the Secondary
With seasoned players like Darius Slay and James Bradberry, the Eagles already have experienced cornerbacks, though concerns about Slay’s age and Bradberry’s performance in 2023 have led to this proactive approach in the draft.
The addition of DeJean, alongside Mitchell, indicates a clear intent to not only fill gaps but also inject youthful energy and skill into the team’s lineup.
The emphasis on strengthening the cornerback position is a sensible strategy, considering the defensive challenges the team faced last season.
As the Eagles continue to refine their defense, especially the safety positions, the acquisition of high-potential players like DeJean is a positive step toward rebuilding a formidable defensive backfield.
As we head towards the 2024 season, all eyes will be on Cooper DeJean to see if he can translate his collegiate success into effective NFL play. If his past performance is anything to go by, the young cornerback is well on his way to becoming a key player for the Philadelphia Eagles.
This strategic focus on the secondary could very well reshape the Eagles’ defensive capabilities and set a new tone for their future performances. With high hopes and great expectations, the Eagles may have indeed secured one of the best values in this year’s draft.
Source: nflanalysis
