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The Philadelphia Eagles may have found the next step in Cooper DeJean's evolution. Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, DeJean revealed that he's been studying film of Hall of Fame defensive back Charles Woodson as he prepares for an expanded role that could include more snaps at safety during the 2026 season.
DeJean said he has spent time learning the position for quite a while and feels comfortable with the added responsibilities. The third-year defensive back also noted that while he added muscle during the offseason, his weight remains unchanged as he prepares for a larger role in Vic Fangio's defense.
For a player already viewed as one of the NFL's most versatile defensive backs, the comparison is fitting.
Woodson entered the league as the fourth overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft after winning the Heisman Trophy at Michigan and quickly became one of the most complete defensive players in league history. During an 18-year career with the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers, Woodson recorded 65 interceptions, the fifth-most in NFL history, while adding more than 1,200 tackles, 33 forced fumbles, and 20 sacks. He became the first player in NFL history to register at least 50 interceptions and 20 sacks, earned AP Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2009 and finished his career as a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time All-Pro and member of the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2000s.
Woodson's ability to play cornerback, safety, in the slot, and near the line of scrimmage made him one of the most versatile defenders of his era. Those same traits are beginning to define DeJean's career in Philadelphia. The Eagles selected DeJean in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and the Iowa product has quickly become one of the league's premier young defensive backs. Alongside fellow 2024 draft pick Quinyon Mitchell, DeJean helped transform Philadelphia's defense into one of the NFL's best units.
Both players earned Associated Press first-team All-Pro honors within their first two NFL seasons, making the Eagles just the seventh franchise in league history to have their top two draft picks from the same class achieve that distinction so quickly. Philadelphia joined the 2001 Chicago Bears and 1984 Los Angeles Rams as the only teams to accomplish the feat on the same side of the ball. DeJean's impact extended far beyond the accolades.
He finished the regular season leading all NFL slot cornerbacks in Pro Football Focus coverage grade (79.3), catch rate allowed (61.4%), passer rating allowed (55.4), and yards allowed per coverage snap (0.72) among qualifying players. He has yet to allow a touchdown reception while aligned as a slot cornerback during his NFL career.
Virtually never leaving the field, DeJean totaled 93 tackles, 16 passes defended, and two interceptions while serving as one of the most important pieces in Philadelphia's top-five scoring defense. His versatility allowed Fangio to deploy him in multiple alignments, whether covering receivers in the slot, supporting against the run, or matching up against tight ends.
Adding safety responsibilities could unlock even more possibilities for an Eagles defense that continues to evolve around young stars.
DeJean appears ready for the challenge. If his development continues on its current trajectory, Philadelphia could soon have a defensive chess piece capable of impacting games in many of the same ways that made Woodson a Hall of Fame player.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles' Cooper DeJean preparing for more snaps at safety
Continue reading...
DeJean said he has spent time learning the position for quite a while and feels comfortable with the added responsibilities. The third-year defensive back also noted that while he added muscle during the offseason, his weight remains unchanged as he prepares for a larger role in Vic Fangio's defense.
For a player already viewed as one of the NFL's most versatile defensive backs, the comparison is fitting.
Woodson entered the league as the fourth overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft after winning the Heisman Trophy at Michigan and quickly became one of the most complete defensive players in league history. During an 18-year career with the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers, Woodson recorded 65 interceptions, the fifth-most in NFL history, while adding more than 1,200 tackles, 33 forced fumbles, and 20 sacks. He became the first player in NFL history to register at least 50 interceptions and 20 sacks, earned AP Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2009 and finished his career as a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time All-Pro and member of the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2000s.
Woodson's ability to play cornerback, safety, in the slot, and near the line of scrimmage made him one of the most versatile defenders of his era. Those same traits are beginning to define DeJean's career in Philadelphia. The Eagles selected DeJean in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and the Iowa product has quickly become one of the league's premier young defensive backs. Alongside fellow 2024 draft pick Quinyon Mitchell, DeJean helped transform Philadelphia's defense into one of the NFL's best units.
Both players earned Associated Press first-team All-Pro honors within their first two NFL seasons, making the Eagles just the seventh franchise in league history to have their top two draft picks from the same class achieve that distinction so quickly. Philadelphia joined the 2001 Chicago Bears and 1984 Los Angeles Rams as the only teams to accomplish the feat on the same side of the ball. DeJean's impact extended far beyond the accolades.
He finished the regular season leading all NFL slot cornerbacks in Pro Football Focus coverage grade (79.3), catch rate allowed (61.4%), passer rating allowed (55.4), and yards allowed per coverage snap (0.72) among qualifying players. He has yet to allow a touchdown reception while aligned as a slot cornerback during his NFL career.
Virtually never leaving the field, DeJean totaled 93 tackles, 16 passes defended, and two interceptions while serving as one of the most important pieces in Philadelphia's top-five scoring defense. His versatility allowed Fangio to deploy him in multiple alignments, whether covering receivers in the slot, supporting against the run, or matching up against tight ends.
Adding safety responsibilities could unlock even more possibilities for an Eagles defense that continues to evolve around young stars.
DeJean appears ready for the challenge. If his development continues on its current trajectory, Philadelphia could soon have a defensive chess piece capable of impacting games in many of the same ways that made Woodson a Hall of Fame player.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles' Cooper DeJean preparing for more snaps at safety
Continue reading...
