Eagles' Cooper DeJean's perfect week continues with first-time accolade

The Philadelphia Eagles may have something brewing that will be extremely dangerous for several years. With Quinyon Mitchell already established as a no-fly zone, 2024 second-round pick Cooper DeJean is making waves with his play.

Several hours after DeJean earned his first Pro Bowl honor, the Iowa alum was awarded the Week 16 NFC Defensive Player of the Week for the first time in his career as well. DeJean put together a five-tackle performance with four passes defended, along with an interception returned for eleven yards.

Cooper DeJean is separating himself from the rest of the pack

DeJean's success and growth in year two have been unmatched, and Philadelphia has the possibility of exceeding expectations. The Eagles were expected to increase DeJean's workload in 2025, but due to injuries and subpar play, DeJean has had to play more on the outside, rather than nickel. Obviously, DeJean rose to the occasion not just in Week 16 but throughout the 2025 season.

DeJean has totaled 84 tackles, 16 pass breakups, four tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, one forced fumble, and two interceptions returned for 32 yards. He's also seen an extreme increase in his workload this season, appearing 98% of snaps on defense, totaling 1,060 snaps collectively per Pro Football Reference.

DeJean spoke with Eagles media members about his improvements from Year1 to Year 2:

"Just feel for the game. I think understanding what offenses like to do situationally is where I have grown a lot as well. Just understanding difference situations throughout the game. I feel like I've grown a lot and I've got a lot more comfortable in Year 2, having a year under my belt."

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DeJean's success has not only translated into personal success but also team success as a whole. In addition to his Pro Bowl honor, his "running mate," Quinyon Mitchell, also was one of five Eagles to earn a Pro Bowl this season. DeJean and the Eagles are slated to take on the Buffalo Bills in Week 17, which could be the last time Nick Sirianni has his starters playing for the 2025 regular season.