Eagles Cornerback Cooper DeJean’s Journey from Iowa to Philly
It’s right in the middle of training camp, and Eagles Cornerback Cooper DeJean is already making an impression on team veterans. On an episode of Chris Long’s podcast “Green Light,” veteran Darius Slay used one word to describe DeJean: special. That’s high praise coming from a player who has played alongside guys like Quandre Diggs and, more recently, James Bradberry in Philly’s run to the Super Bowl two seasons ago.
DeJean’s athleticism and ability on the field don’t surprise Slay. According to Athlon Sports, he talked in that same podcast episode about recognizing DeJean’s athletic prowess dating back to his high school days. “I saw Cooper DeJean in high school playing basketball, right. I saw him doing windmill dunks and all kinds of crazy stuff,” Slay said.
Slay also said he had been talking with DeJean four years prior, and “Then the next thing you know, he gets drafted to us.” How did DeJean get here, though? How did the local legend from Iowa become a potential cornerstone for the Eagles? One thing is for certain: it’s been a long but rewarding journey for the young talent.
Upbringing in Football
DeJean was born in 2003 to parents Katie and Jason DeJean. His parents raised him in Odebalt, Iowa, and he’s always been a young man with a knack for athletics. He went to school in Ida Grove, Iowa, where he made a name for himself as a multi-sport athlete. He played football in high school as a quarterback and defensive back but also lettered in track, baseball, and basketball.
He earned many accolades during his time on the field. He was named to the Des Moines Register Elite All-State Team as a Senior. That season, he threw for 3,447 yards and 35 touchdowns with just nine interceptions. He also rushed for 1,235 yards and 24 touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, he also racked up 53.5 tackles and three interceptions that season. All of this lead to his high school team winning back-to-back state championships in his Junior and Senior years while making the playoffs as a Sophomore. Pretty soon, colleges came calling, and DeJean decided to stay loyal to his home state.
His Time as a Hawkeye
DeJean committed to the Iowa Hawkeyes and continued to show his versatility as a player. He didn’t receive much playing time his Freshman year, only playing in seven games. He had a breakout campaign his Sophomore season racking up 75 tackles with three tackles for loss and five interceptions as a cornerback. He also tacked on eight pass deflections and three defensive touchdowns.
His Junior season wasn’t quite as spectacular statistically, but he was still named a Consensus All-American. He accomplished all of this while playing multiple positions, too. DeJean played special teams, cornerback, safety, and linebacker during his time as a Hawkeye.
The NFL Draft
The Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year declared to the 2024 NFL Draft after the season and posted strong grades at the combine. By the end of the workout, DeJean ranked as the third highest-scored corner. He also ranked as the second most productive corner and seventh most athletic.
On night two of the draft, DeJean kept falling down the board, and the Eagles saw their opportunity. The Eagles traded up to the 40th overall pick and drafted DeJean in the second round. After all the accolades and hard work, will DeJean live up to expectations? Fans will see if his skills can translate to the NFL this season.
Main Image: Trevor Ruszkowski – USA Today Sports
