While he hasn't been in the league for that long, young CB Cooper DeJean has already established himself as one of the best and most versatile defensive backs in the game. He thrived on the outside in college, and he's even more dominant in the slot in the pros.
The Philadelphia Eagles' secondary has had some issues this season, but none of them have been because of DeJean. And now that they've traded for Michael Carter II, it seems like DeJean will be asked to switch positions. According to Eagles insider Zach Berman of The Athletic, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio could now move DeJean to the outside.
Michael Carter II's Arrival Could Force Cooper DeJean Outside
"When Vic Fangio last met with reporters, he said part of the resistance to moving Cooper DeJean to the outside was that the Eagles didn't have another dependable option in the slot. Does the acquisition of Michael Carter II change the equation? 'Possibly,' Fangio said," Berman wrote on X.
DeJean has already proven that he can play in both positions with ease. And with Quinyon Mitchell holding down the fort on the other side of the field, the Eagles can now deploy Carter II in the slot and move DeJean back to the outside.
That would finally be a solution to their season-long woes with Kelee Ringo and Adoree' Jackson, both of whom have been the team's weakest link in the secondary. Fangio clearly trusts DeJean and wants to keep him on the field for every snap if possible, and this might be the best way to do so.
Through the first nine games of the season, DeJean has posted a Pro Football Focus grade of 74.6, which is the eighth-highest in the league. While he has yet to pick off a pass, he has only given up one touchdown in 44 snaps in pass coverage this season.
The Eagles had two major flaws in their defense, and they addressed both of them at the deadline with the acquisitions of Carter and Jaelan Phillips. Once again, GM Howie Roseman put on a clinic and reminded every other executive in the league what they're supposed to do if they want to be a contender.
As for DeJean, this type of versatility and ability to line up almost everywhere on the defense is one of the things that make him stand out from the rest of the pack. It's also what could make him this team's unsung hero in the second half of the season.