The Philadelphia Eagles soared to their second Super Bowl victory in franchise history, propelled by an exceptional performance from their secondary in the championship game. A standout in that unit was rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean, whose meteoric rise has now been cemented in a recent article by PFF’s John Kosko. In Kosko’s latest rankings of the NFL’s top 32 cornerbacks, DeJean secured an impressive No. 11 spot, just shy of the top 10.
Kosko praised DeJean’s remarkable rookie campaign, noting, “The highest-ranked rookie from 2024 on the list, DeJean was phenomenal for the Eagles in their Super Bowl run. 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 numbers underscore DeJean’s ability to lock down receivers and make a significant impact in his debut season.
Drafted 40th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, the 22-year-old corner faced skepticism from critics who doubted his immediate impact. However, DeJean quickly silenced the doubters with his on-field performance. Starting in nine of the 16 games he played, he recorded a respectable 51 total tackles. While he didn’t snag an interception during the regular season, DeJean saved his biggest moment for the Super Bowl, picking off Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes in a pivotal play that swung momentum firmly in the Eagles’ favor.
Off the field, DeJean is also making waves as an emerging media personality with the launch of his new podcast, further elevating his profile. As the Eagles prepare to defend their Lombardi Trophy, DeJean and the rest of the team’s defense will be crucial in their quest to return to the playoffs and continue their championship legacy. With his blend of skill, poise, and clutch performances, Cooper DeJean has proven he’s not just a rising star but a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s formidable secondary.