Cooper DeJean has established himself as a pivotal player for the Philadelphia Eagles, particularly in the Nickel cornerback position, a role highlighted by defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. DeJean, a finalist for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, played a critical role in the Eagles' defensive unit, contributing significantly during the second half of the season. His strong performance led to discussions regarding a potential move outside; however, Fangio firmly supports his continued role at Nickel, citing DeJean's unique skill set and comfort in that position.

With the exit of notable cornerbacks like Darius Slay and James Bradberry, the Eagles are looking to solidify their secondary. The competition for the outside corner spot now includes Kelee Ringo, Adoree' Jackson, and Eli Ricks, which adds further interest to the Eagles' defensive strategy. DeJean's impressive stats from his rookie season, including 51 tackles and a memorable interception return for a touchdown in Super Bowl LIX, indicate that he is a cornerstone of the Eagles' defense moving forward.

The Philadelphia Eagles have made a significant move in the 2025 NFL free agency by signing cornerback Adoree' Jackson to bolster their defensive lineup after losing Darius Slay to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jackson, who spent the last four seasons with the New York Giants, is expected to step into a starting role, given the current scarcity of experienced cornerbacks on the Eagles' roster.

Originally drafted in the first round by the Tennessee Titans in 2017, Jackson has faced injury challenges but showcased his skills in recent seasons. His acquisition is strategically timed as the Eagles look to maintain their defensive prowess in a competitive NFC. The addition of Jackson, alongside young talents like Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell, presents a refreshed dynamic within the Eagles' secondary.

The evolution of Cooper DeJean's performance throughout the 2024 NFL season has been nothing short of remarkable. After a slow start that saw him not feature prominently, his playoff exploits propelled him to the top of the cornerback rankings, even surpassing established players like Pat Surtain II.

Among the key highlights was DeJean's stellar Super Bowl performance, where he not only contributed defensively but also made a game-changing play by returning an interception for a touchdown, demonstrating both his skill and resilience. Other rookie cornerbacks like Quinyon Mitchell and Andru Phillips also made significant impacts, showcasing the depth of talent in this year's class.

The 2025 NFL Draft season is upon us, bringing fresh opportunities for teams to re-evaluate their strategies, especially regarding double-dipping at key positions. The Philadelphia Eagles have set a precedent by successfully selecting both Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in 2024. The current draft class shows promising depth in edge and interior defenders, making it a fertile ground for franchises looking to bolster their defenses.

Across the league, teams are increasingly leveraging multiple early-round picks to address position needs, as evidenced by the trend where 18 out of 32 teams have made two selections in the top-four rounds at the same position over the last three years. This approach highlights the unpredictability of the draft, where first-round picks may not always yield immediate returns. Teams like the Rams, with a reduced number of early picks due to trading, illustrate a contrasting strategy where depth is often sacrificed for star power. The necessity of effective scouting and a calculated approach has never been more critical for teams aiming to capitalize on the upcoming draft.