Philadelphia, PA – June 4, 2025
He was drafted to dominate. A top-tier cornerback prospect with first-round swagger, Cooper DeJean arrived in Philadelphia as one of the most anticipated rookies in recent Eagles history. But just weeks into his first NFL offseason, DeJean’s journey has taken a sharp turn—one that’s stirring buzz among fans and analysts alike: he’s no longer training strictly at outside corner. Instead, the Eagles are experimenting with him at safety, nickel, and hybrid roles.
Why is Philly’s top rookie already switching positions?
According to insiders at Eagles OTAs, the move isn’t a demotion—it’s a chess move by new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, known for his complex zone-based schemes and high standards for versatility. DeJean, it turns out, might be too dynamic to confine to just one role. “This kid is smart, fast, physical—he can be a difference-maker anywhere on the field,” one coach was overheard saying during last week’s practice.
The move also reflects a growing trend in Fangio’s system: positionless football. With Jalen Carter anchoring the defensive line and Nakobe Dean quarterbacking the linebacker group, the addition of a fluid defensive back who can rotate seamlessly between safety and corner gives Philly a new layer of unpredictability.
Some fans are skeptical. “Why not just let him master one role before moving him around?” a popular post on Eagles Reddit asked. Others see it differently, arguing that DeJean could become the Eagles’ answer to a Micah Parsons-style chess piece—one who disrupts the entire offensive flow by appearing in unexpected spots.
DeJean himself seems unfazed. In a quick locker room exchange, he said: “I’m just here to win. If that means I play safety, corner, nickel—whatever—let’s go.”
With the Eagles aiming to return to Super Bowl form, this early gamble could pay massive dividends. Or it could backfire if the rookie is overwhelmed by too many responsibilities.
But if Fangio’s track record and DeJean’s talent are any indication, Philly might be unlocking the full power of a defensive Swiss Army knife—one that offenses will struggle to predict and fans will love watching evolve.
