Throughout training camp, one name has kept coming up as a standout performer: wide receiver Darius Cooper.
Many within the organization, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, have praised Cooper's performance on the field. Hurts has shown the kind of trust he needs in Cooper, as witnessed in the daily highlight plays they make together.
With almost three weeks in the books and Cooper continuing to impress, it's only a matter of time before the head man has to talk about him. Nick Sirianni did exactly that and said what the fans needed to hear.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni talks about Darius Cooper's training camp
Sirianni spoke to the media before their Thursday practice, as he was asked about Cooper's performance in camp. The Eagles head coach has been impressed with the young second-year receiver, but knows there is still time for him to continue to be consistent.
“There’s still a lot of time left. He’s having a good camp.” Sirianni said via Bleeding Green Nation's Brandon Lee Gowton. “It's about being consistent on a daily basis. He's done a good job being consistent on a daily basis. And he makes some really good catches, really elite hands, and we know he's tough and things that he can do. But I've been pleased with where he is.”
For any Eagles fan, this really shouldn't be a surprise. Cooper was the training camp darling of 2025 as an undrafted free agent out of Tarleton State. He became one of Hurts' favorite targets in camp last season as well, leading to Cooper making the 53-man roster.
Cooper proved to be an asset on special teams in coverage, but he gave the Eagles the depth they needed at wide receiver. He might have only caught nine passes for 92 yards, but he showed enough to be a key piece of this roster.
2026 is a different story for Cooper, though, as he has to be more than just the depth guy. He might have to play a much bigger role than anyone could have expected.
DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon haven't practiced in a week, leaving Cooper and Dontayvion Wicks as the top two receivers on the team. With Lemon behind in his development, that puts more pressure on Cooper to step up and show the "elite hands" Sirianni talked about.
While his head coach is happy with his performance, Sirianni also mentioned something interesting.
"There’s still a lot of time left."
Cooper has been great, but he needs to be consistent, which is something Sirianni praised him for. That means he cannot let up in his performance and must continue to show the coaches that he can be consistent no matter what.
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There's so much to be excited about when it comes to Cooper and the capabilities he brings to the table, as he has been compared to A.J. Brown with his hands. At this rate, Cooper is going to be a difference-maker in this Eagles offense in 2026 if he keeps it up.
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