The Philadelphia Eagles believe that rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean, who went 40th overall in last week’s NFL draft, can “do it all” at the next level thanks to his versatility.
“DeJean’s role is more difficult to forecast given how versatile he is,” ESPN’s Tim McManus wrote.
“Some teams project him as a safety at the pro level, but there’s a sentiment in the Eagles building that he can ‘do it all,’ leaving open the possibility that he could also line up at outside corner or in the slot.”
For his part, DeJean told reporters on Friday after the Eagles selected him that he’ll play wherever he’s put.
“I’m a football player,” DeJean said, per Kevin Patra of NFL.com. “You put me on the field and I’m going to go play football, whether it’s inside, outside, at safety, wherever it is.”
DeJean added: “If they put me out there, I’ll be excited to play out there on the edge at the corner position. If I don’t, there’s no hard feelings.”
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, who traded up 10 spots with the Washington Commanders to land DeJean, also reiterated the ex-Iowa star’s versatility.
“I think whatever he does he’s going to do at a high level,” Roseman said, per Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
“Obviously we’ll get him in here, and like everything else on this team, see how the pieces fit when coach [Nick Sirianni] and his staff get their hands on these guys.”
As DeJean noted, he came to Iowa as a safety but moved to cornerback while playing for the Hawkeyes. B/R NFL scout Cory Giddings shouted out his versatility in his scouting report.
“Cooper DeJean is one of the elite athletes in this year’s draft. He has great size for a cornerback along with very good movement skills and versatility,” Giddings wrote.
“DeJean started his career at Iowa as a safety in 2021 before transitioning to cornerback. Along with his positional flexibility, he also provides real value as a return man.”
DeJean was one of two defensive backs to land with the Eagles alongside Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell at No. 22 overall. They should both play big roles in helping Philadelphia try to bounce back from allowing the third-most points in the NFL last season, including 31.0 per game over their last eight contests (including playoffs).
