Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean had the breakout season no one expected, but fans were happy to see it in 2024. More could be in store for DeJean in 2025.
Sports Illustrated writer Conor Orr shared a list of 10 players who could possibly be included in the 2025 Pro Bowl for the first time in their careers. DeJean was on the list thanks to his ability to play anywhere in the secondary.
"If there was a stat called simply “Plays effed up,” I suspect DeJean might have led the NFL in his rookie season. Because he can play almost anywhere in the secondary, and because he can see the development of a play so clearly, last year there were dozens of screen plays, draws, rub routes and crossers that simply didn’t happen or were totally blown up because DeJean has a unique ability to stick his hands into the control panel and yank out all the wires. Unfortunately, his style of play doesn’t necessarily lend itself to glamorous stats. DeJean doesn’t get a lot of sacks or picks, and because he’s playing so far off the ball his opposing completion percentage is not low enough to pop off the sheet. All that said, our understanding of football has helped us move beyond using certain stats as biomarkers and, after a legend-cementing run in the Super Bowl, DeJean should be front of mind plenty next year."
DeJean's versatility could play massive role in Eagles' defense in 2025
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has already been moving DeJean around in the secondary. DeJean's ability to play outside, slot, and safety will make him more of a valuable piece to this defense.
He already showed it last year after 51 tackles, six pass deflections, three tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, one quarterback hit, and a half sack in 16 games. DeJean had the most critical play of the season, though, in the Super Bowl win with his beautiful pick-six off of Patrick Mahomes in the first half.
Pro Football Focus ranked DeJean the 11th-best cornerback in the NFL going into 2025. His coverage grade in man and zone-match coverage was ranked second at 76.7 and third in coverage grade at 84.1.
DeJean will be working alongside fellow 2024 draft pick Quinyon Mitchell, as the two have already established themselves as the future of the Eagles' secondary. Mitchell will command the outside with DeJean being a moving piece in different Fangio scheme packages.
Philadelphia fleeced the NFL in picking two great cornerbacks in last year's draft, but one year can't determine how great their careers will be. Mitchell started all season, so he's proven himself. DeJean has more to show with only emerging halfway through 2024.
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Nobody will be more prepared for the 2025 season than DeJean will be, and a Pro Bowl selection is definitely within reach.