The Philadelphia Eagles soared to their second Super Bowl victory in franchise history, and their secondary played a pivotal role in securing the championship. Among the standout performers was rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean, who defied expectations and emerged as a breakout star on the biggest stage.
In a recent article by PFF’s John Kosko, DeJean was ranked as the No. 11 cornerback in the NFL, just shy of the top 10. As the highest-ranked rookie from the 2024 season, DeJean’s performance during the Eagles’ Super Bowl run was nothing short of phenomenal. Kosko noted, “He ranked second in PFF coverage grade from man and zone-match coverage in 2024 (76.7), third in PFF coverage grade (84.1), and 12th in PFF advanced coverage grade. He did not allow a touchdown on 97 targets.” These impressive metrics highlight DeJean’s ability to lock down receivers and make critical plays when it mattered most.
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Selected 40th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, the 22-year-old cornerback faced skepticism from critics who doubted his immediate impact. However, DeJean quickly silenced the naysayers with his on-field performance. Despite starting only nine of the 16 games he appeared in during the regular season, he recorded a respectable 51 total tackles. His defining moment came in the Super Bowl, where he intercepted a pass from Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes, swinging the momentum firmly in the Eagles’ favor and cementing his place in the team’s historic victory.
Off the field, DeJean is also making waves as an emerging media personality with his new podcast, showcasing his charisma and ability to connect with fans. As he continues to grow both on and off the field, DeJean is proving to be a cornerstone of the Eagles’ defense.
With the 2024 season behind them, DeJean and the Eagles’ defense are already setting their sights on defending the Lombardi Trophy. If his rookie campaign is any indication, Cooper DeJean is not just rewriting the narrative around his own career but redefining what it means to be a cornerback in the NFL. The league better take notice—this young star is just getting started.