As a rookie, transitioning from the college football level to the NFL isn't easy, but Philadelphia Eagles versatile defensive back Cooper DeJean has made it seem like it is.
Through OTAs and mandatory minicamps, the Eagles tested DeJean at cornerback, in the slot, and at safety, and according to multiple reports, the rookie looked solid everywhere he lined up.
Since he can handle it, the Eagles plan to continue to add more to his plate rather than give him just one job.
"I think Coop is very versatile," Eagles defensive backs coach Christian Parker said. "I think he plays with good vision to the ball. I think that he has good ball skills. I think we’re kind of in that process now we've moved him around a little bit. He can handle it mentally and I think as we move on through this phase right now and going into training camp then he'll have a home but he's been he's playing corner, he's playing nickel, you know, he's handling those things well and we'll continue to put more on his plate and see how he can handle it.”
DeJean's Versatility Could Help Him Earn a Starting Role
The Eagles currently have 19 defensive backs competing for a roster spot and only about half of them will have a job come September.
Parker emphasized that the more value you can bring to the secondary, then the better chance you have at making the Eagles' 53-man roster.
“At the end of the day, you want to get your best 11 on the field,” Parker said. “So whatever combination we can put together with guys that understand their job, whether it be a corner to nickel or a nickel to safety or dime position, what have you.
“The more guys that have an overall knowledge of what we’re doing then the better you can be. Because we can change from a package perspective, personnel-wise down to down. And then we can also move different pieces around based on the opponent we’re playing each week."
DeJean isn't the only defensive back that the Eagles have been moving around. James Bradberry and Avonte Maddox took snaps at safety during minicamp, while 2024 first-round pick Quinyon Mitchell got practice reps at inside and outside corner.
That's a lot to compete with but if DeJean continues to make the transition look smooth, then he's on the fast track to start in Week 1.
