The Eagles finally have their ‘STAR’ in the secondary, and at some point, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will turn Cooper DeJean into his Swiss army knife.
It’s a role Baylor University used when Jalen Pitre flourished, along with Derwin James for the Chargers and Jalen Ramsey, during his tenure with the Rams.
In the 4-2-5, the ‘Star’ is a hybrid safety type that could play outside linebacker in most 4-3 schemes.
If 80 percent of the NFL plays the 11 personnel with a slot receiver, you must have the talented defensive personnel to combat such a quarry. For Philadelphia, that role should automatically go to their second-round pick, DeJean. The Swiss Army Knife can play in the box, slot, and deep safety position.
With training camp quickly approaching, here are five more things about the former Iowa Hawkeyes star.
DeJean is the oldest of three boys and was born in Sioux Falls, S.D., and grew up in Odebolt, a small town (population of less than 1,000) in western Iowa (70 miles from the Nebraska border).
He competed in multiple sports throughout his childhood — mainly baseball, basketball, and football. Basketball was his first love, and he quickly became one of the best AAU players in the state.
DeJean (6-0, 203 pounds) is viewed as a versatile defensive back who can play inside and outside cornerback and safety and has experience as a punt returner.
Per Pro Football Focus, DeJean did not allow a touchdown in coverage last season. In 2022, he finished the year tied for the FBS lead with three interceptions returned for touchdowns. DeJean wasn’t just effective in the secondary. The Big Ten Return Man of the Year returned 31 punts for 406 yards and one touchdown.
As a senior in high school, DeJean was an Iowa Class 2A Track and Field State Champion in the 100-meter dash and long jump.
- 1st-Team AP All-American at CB (2023)
- Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year (2023)
- Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year (2023)
- 2nd-Team All-Big Ten Conference (2022)
- Music City Bowl MVP (2022)