The Eagles didn’t draft Cooper DeJean to be just another corner -- they drafted him to erase space, erase options, and erase comfort for opposing signal-callers.
In Week 5 against Denver, his value comes into sharper focus than ever, with Troy Franklin emerging as a key part of Denver’s aerial attack.
Breaking down the critical matchup between DeJean and Franklin
While Cortland Sutton remains the high-volume No. 1, Franklin is second on the team in targets and has quickly carved out a role as the vertical and rhythm-based weapon Sean Payton likes to scheme into open grass. DeJean will be asked to erase that comfort.
What makes the matchup so pivotal is how Franklin wins.
He’s at his most dangerous when given space off the line -- free releases that let him stride into his speed and stack corners downfield. He thrives on clean angles, vertical stems, and timing routes that rely on defenders respecting his athleticism rather than disrupting it. That’s where DeJean’s versatility becomes a direct countermeasure.
DeJean plays with a blend of physicality and spatial awareness that few young corners possess. He isn’t just a boundary defender -- you can line him up outside, roll him into the slot, or drop him off as a match defender in off coverage. Against Franklin, that flexibility gives Philadelphia the chance to tailor its approach by alignment, down, and formation.
If Franklin aligns wide away from his normal spot inside, DeJean has the strength and hand placement to play inside the contact window and throw off timing. He can get in Franklin’s chest early, take away the release angle, and force him to work through resistance rather than build speed unchallenged.
If Denver aligns the second year pass-catcher in Franklin into his normal spot in the slot, or stacks him off the line to manufacture space, DeJean still matches up comfortably. His ability to mirror without losing leverage and read through the route stem allows him to stay patient in off or press man looks.
And if Franklin bends routes inside or settles in open zones, DeJean’s eyes and instincts take over --he’s rarely caught guessing and stays connected without panicking or grabbing.
Open-field tackling is the other layer that matters this week. Franklin isn’t just a vertical burner; Denver uses him on crossers, glance routes, and motion looks to stress pursuit angles.
DeJean’s willingness to trigger downhill and finish in space prevents five-yard plays from becoming explosive ones. He diagnoses quickly, squares up well, and rarely takes false steps that allow receivers to turn the corner.
Just as important is his spatial intelligence in trail and recovery situations. When Franklin gains a step, DeJean can't, and often doesn’t, lose poise -- he knows how to stay in phase, play through the hands of pass-catchers, and use the sideline as an extra defender. That matters in a game where timing throws and quick strikes will be baked into the Broncos’ plan to get the ball out early.
The Eagles also gain schematic freedom with DeJean on Franklin. His competence inside and out allows Philadelphia to mix coverages, spin safeties late, and disguise leverage without assigning constant help. That flexibility opens up pass-rush options and lets the secondary clamp down on Sutton without becoming overly vulnerable elsewhere.
With Sutton drawing top attention and Franklin ascending as Denver’s timing and speed threat, the matchup becomes a hinge point.
Read more:Rookie Radar: Jihaad Campbell & Andrew Mukuba's progression through 4 weeks
DeJean’s blend of physical disruption, calculated aggression, and coverage awareness gives the Eagles a direct answer. If he can consistently deny Franklin comfortable releases and erase space after the catch, he won’t just win his matchup -- he’ll force the Broncos’ passing plan to reroute quickly.