Eagles Emerging as a Frontrunner to Draft Top Defensive Prospect
The Philadelphia Eagles are one of the favorites to land an elite defensive prospect in the NFL Draft.
By Cem Yolbulan
We are only a week away from the 2024 NFL Draft and like every team, the Philadelphia Eagles are laser-focused in evaluating the prospects. With the 22nd overall pick, as well as two second-round picks, the Eagles are in a good position to strengthen their roster ahead of next season.
One of the most pressing needs for Philadelphia is certainly the defensive backfield. The cornerback rotation was a disaster last season and the team hasn't addressed it yet in the offseason. Darius Slay missed some time due to injuries and James Bradberry was a shell of himself last season. The depth behind them leaves plenty to be desired.
Therefore, there is widespread expectation that the Eagles will draft a cornerback with their first-round pick in the draft. One name that is consistently being mentioned for Philadelphia is the Iowa defender Cooper DeJean.
According to the latest reporting by Ian Rapoport, the Eagles may be emerging as one of the favorites to land the promising corner.
Eagles Emerging As a Frontrunner to Draft Iowa CB Cooper DeJean
#Iowa CB Cooper DeJean, a likely first-rounder who impressed at his Pro Day, only had four days available for Top 30 visits due to Combine rechecks (fractured fibula) and his late Pro Day.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 17, 2024
He spent those days with: The #Steelers, #Seahawks, #Bills and #Eagles.
DeJean has been a fast-riser in mock drafts in recent weeks. His elite size, athleticism, and versatility (with starting experience at strong safety and corner) make him a very intriguing fit with the Eagles.
Philadelphia already had a top-30 visit with DeJean, along with the Steelers, Seahawks, and the Bills. He is widely expected to be a late first-rounder, so the Eagles would have a decent chance at drafting him with the 22nd overall selection. However, both Pittsburgh and Seattle are drafting ahead of Philly, so if they are equally impressed with DeJean, they could reach and grab the high-upside defender ahead of them.
DeJean's role in the NFL is a hot topic among draft watchers. There are analysts who see his best position at outside cornerback, slot, or safety. But, regardless of where he ends up on the field, he is certainly a hell of a player who can make an immediate impact wherever he goes. For Eagles fans' sake, who had to watch some of the worst pass defenses in the league last year, let's hope it's Philadelphia.
FanDuel Sportsbook has odds for the position of first drafted player for the Eagles. The cornerback has the second-best odds with +180, behind the offensive line. Head over to FanDuel before the NFL Draft to get in on the action and don't forget to claim your $150 in bonus bets after your first $5 wager.
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