Eagles Coach Admits Rookie is 'Not Where He Needs to Be'
By Jovan Alford
Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has the tough task of turning around a lackluster pass defense that was one of the worst in the NFL last year.
Last season, the Eagles were ranked 31st in the league in opponents’ passing yards per game allowed (252.7). Only the Washington Commanders had a worse pass defense (262.2) during the 2023 season.
That said, the Eagles prioritized upgrading the secondary, taking Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean with their first two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. Mitchell looks to be a star in the making and will play a lot to start this season.
However, the same cannot be said for his teammate DeJean as Fangio believes the rookie is not totally ready for the season.
“I think he’s as prepared as he can be, but having said that, not where he needs to be,” Fangio said when asked about DeJean’s readiness (h/t Zach Berman of PHLY).
Vic Fangio on Cooper DeJean's readiness: "I think he's as prepared as he can be, but having said that, not where he needs to be."
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) September 2, 2024
DeJean had a slow start to training camp as he was placed on the non-football injury list due to a hamstring injury he suffered in offseason workouts. However, the former Iowa standout was activated off the NFI list before the Eagles’ joint practice against the New England Patriots.
DeJean made his preseason debut in the Eagles’ final game against the Minnesota Vikings. He spent some time at the nickel spot and was on punt return duty. Nonetheless, with Philadelphia having Darius Slay, Isaiah Rodgers Sr., and Mitchell, there’s no rush to throw DeJean into the fire.
It will likely take a couple of weeks of regular-season reps and practices to get DeJean up to speed. But if he can figure out and learn what Fangio wants from him, it will make the Eagles’ defense even better.
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