The Eagles drafted Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in the first two rounds of last April's NFL draft, and the results were beyond anyone's belief.
DeJean was a primary reason the Eagles only lost one game after the Week 5 bye, and the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist is already one of the most versatile defenders in the NFL. After Philadelphia saw Darius Slay (Steelers), Isaiah Rodgers (Vikings), Avonte Maddox (Lions), and James Bradberry (UFA) all exit, there was talk of DeJean moving to the outside cornerback spot opposite Quinyon Mitchell.
The Eagles defeated the Chiefs in Super Bowl 59, while Mitchell and DeJean were finalists for the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was a special guest of the Phillies and watched Philadelphia defeat Colorado 4-1 to remain in first place. During a brief conversation with John Clark of NBC Sports, Fangio was asked about a potential position switch for DeJean, and shot that idea down.
“I really like him as the nickel. I’d like to see him stay at nickel. He plays it very well. He’s got good size in there. I think he enjoys playing in that position.“
With Slay departing, DeJean will have an even more critical role in Vic Fangio's defense next season, and he's already returned to training. Earlier this off-season, DeJean was in intense training with NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Patrick Surtain.
Working with Pat Surtain and Cooper DeJean on a beautiful day in AZ.. Chasing Greatness!! 😤🙏🏾#SFSP 🏁1% pic.twitter.com/QylnCdP0mu
— Oliver Davis II (@I_Am_OD3) March 28, 2025
Surtain was named the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and became the first cornerback to win the award since Stephon Gilmore in 2019, while the former was just the second Bronco all-time to win the award after linebacker Randy Gradishar.
Now, after working with Surtain, DeJean headed West again to work with former NFL defensive back, ESPN analyst, trainer, and podcaster Ryan Clark.
I’m a team guy!! So even in my ...