Since first donning the midnight green, Cooper DeJean has done nothing but deliver big plays for the Philadelphia Eagles, wherever defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has deployed him. And with versatility and consistency that rival any defensive back in the league, the former Iowa Hawkeye earns a spot on our most important Eagles list of 2026 at sixth overall.
Back in the 2024 draft, general manager Howie Roseman was elated to see DeJean available in the second round, moving up via a trade with the Washington Commanders to snag the do-everything defensive back out of Iowa with the 40th overall selection. And upon arriving in Philadelphia, DeJean's versatility has not only been utilized, but further expanded with time.
A standout rookie season saw the defensive back shine at both the boundary and in the slot, while his ability to return punts (21 returns, 211 yards) also emerged. Meanwhile, his innate ball-hawking ability immediately flashed, as DeJean racked up three fumble recoveries while forcing another. His rookie season culminated in an unforgettable Super Bowl LIX showing, one which included the pick-six of Patrick Mahomes to help seal the Eagles' triumph.
This past season, Fangio kept him in the slot, and DeJean blanketed opposing wideouts. The defensive back earned first-team All-Pro accolades, grading out as the top slot corner in the NFL while registering a league-best coverage grade (79.3%) for all slot defenders, en route to zero touchdowns allowed.
A new year means even more versatility should be showcased by Eagles' Cooper DeJean
Fast forward to the present, and Fangio is now calling on DeJean for additional responsibilities. The third-year defensive back will shift to safety in base defense looks, while reverting to his slot spot in sub packages.
For a defensive unit teeming with talent, the flexibility DeJean has to man different spots is a coach's dream. For Fangio and this group, he remains selfless, more concerned with just being on the field than lining up at a specific spot.
“I’ll play wherever, to be honest,” DeJean said. “Wherever they put me on the football field, I’ll play there. As long as I’m out there, I’ll be ready to play no matter the position, whether it’s corner, nickel or safety.”
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In his third NFL season, DeJean's rise has already included many highlights. From the thunderous hit on Derrick Henry to that pick-six of Mahomes, the list keeps growing. He can drop the hammer in run support and blanket wideouts with the best of them, making him a surefire member of the most important Eagles list of 2026.
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