In a bold move during Day 2 of the NFL draft, the Philadelphia Eagles seized the opportunity to secure a versatile defensive back, Cooper DeJean, from Iowa. Despite many projections placing him in the first round, DeJean surprisingly lingered until the 40th pick, prompting the Eagles to take decisive action. Trading two second-round picks and a fifth-rounder to the Commanders, the Eagles made it clear they were unwilling to let DeJean slip through their fingers.
The acquisition of DeJean is more than just a strategic maneuver; it represents a significant addition to the Eagles’ defensive lineup. Known for his prowess all over the secondary during his time at Iowa, DeJean demonstrated his ability to excel in both safety and cornerback positions. This versatility earned him the nickname of the “Swiss army knife” of the draft, a moniker that has garnered approval even from esteemed coach Nick Saban.
Nick Saban just said it best, like we have all been shouting from the rooftop…
“Cooper DeJean is the only DB in this draft who can play all 5 positions in the back end”@Eagles just got the most versatile DB in the draft! 🐤🐤
— Tyler Barnes (@TylerBarnesIOWA) April 27, 2024
Tyler Barnes, Iowa’s Director of Recruiting, emphasized DeJean’s exceptional versatility, echoing sentiments shared by Saban himself. According to Barnes, Saban hailed DeJean as the sole defensive back in the draft capable of playing all five positions in the back end, underscoring the uniqueness of his skill set.
Saban’s endorsement of DeJean carries significant weight, especially given his reputation for grooming top-tier talent. Speaking on ESPN’s College GameDay, Saban highlighted the scarcity of strong safeties in this year’s draft, emphasizing the value of versatile cornerbacks who can seamlessly transition to safety roles. In addition to praising his former Alabama protégés, Saban included DeJean among the select few capable of excelling in various defensive capacities, further elevating the anticipation surrounding the young player’s NFL debut.
For the Eagles, DeJean’s arrival couldn’t be more timely, particularly following struggles in their pass defense last season. With his dual-threat capabilities and exceptional ball-catching skills, there’s speculation that DeJean could even contribute on the offensive end. This multifaceted talent has reignited hope among Eagles fans, who eagerly anticipate witnessing their very own “Swiss Army Knife” in action.
Olivia’s Value:
The addition of Cooper DeJean to the Philadelphia Eagles’ roster marks a pivotal moment in the team’s defensive strategy. Recognized for his unparalleled versatility and endorsed by none other than coaching legend Nick Saban, DeJean brings a unique skill set that promises to bolster the Eagles’ defense and ignite excitement among fans. With Saban’s seal of approval underscoring DeJean’s potential impact, all eyes are now on the dynamic defensive back as he prepares to make his mark in the NFL.
