Eagles’ DB Cooper DeJean Sends Strong Message About Versatility

The Philadelphia Eagles traded up to select University of Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean in the second round of the NFL Draft last Friday night, grabbing him with the 40th overall pick.

DeJean was branded as a cornerback heading into the draft, but he can actually play anywhere in the secondary, which the Eagles love about him.

The 21-year-old does not seem overly concerned about what position he plays in the NFL.

“I’m a football player,” DeJean said, via Kevin Patra of NFL.com. “You put me on the field and I’m going to go play football, whether it’s inside, outside, at safety, wherever it is.”

DeJean actually has plenty of experience at safety.

“I came in [to Iowa] as a safety. Played safety in high school all four years,” DeJean said. “At Iowa I got a lot of safety reps in practice, just coming in and playing that position. Did it all through my first camp, first spring ball. Then I continued to get reps at all three positions throughout my time there.”

The Sioux Falls, Sd. native seems to have a preference for outside corner, but he simply wants to do whatever he can to help Philadelphia win.

“If they put me out there, I’ll be excited to play out there on the edge at the corner position,” DeJean said. “If I don’t, there’s no hard feelings.”

DeJean was viewed as a first-round talent by some and is coming off of a 2023 campaign in which he registered 41 tackles, a couple of interceptions and five passes defended.

He arrived at Iowa in 2021, but he did not break out until his second season, when he racked up 75 tackles, five picks, eight passes defended and a hefty three defensive touchdowns.

We’ll see what Cooper DeJean brings to the table for Philly in 2024.