Cooper DeJean spent time focusing on the nuances of CB positions with Patrick Surtain
Cooper DeJean spent time focusing on the nuances of CB positions with Patrick Surtain Eagles' dynamic defensive back Cooper DeJean has been focusing on the nuances of the cornerback position with NFL Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain this offseason.
The Eagles drafted Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in the first two rounds of last April's NFL draft, and the results were championship worthy. Philadelphia was 2-2 entering the Week 5 bye, but lost one regular-season game after DeJean was inserted into the lineup in place of Avonte Maddox.
The Eagles defeated the Chiefs in Super Bowl 59, and finished the year with both Mitchell and DeJean being finalists for the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
With James Bradberry and Darius Slay departing, DeJean will have an even more critical role in Vic Fangio's defense this season, and he's already returned to training. DeJean has spent the off-season working out with NFL Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain.
Recently, Lucas Evans of the Denver Post wrote a long-form article on Surtain and his dominance at the position. One of the tidbits featured Surtain coaching DeJean on one of the nuances of cornerback positions and the importance of hand placement.
Surtain was named the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and became the first cornerback to win the award since Stephon Gilmore in 2019, while the former was just the second Bronco all-time to win the prize after linebacker Randy Gradishar did so in 1978.
Surtain appeared in 16 regular-season games in 2024, recording 45 total tackles (34 solo) and 11 passes defended, including four interceptions, one of which he returned for a 100-yard pick-six in Week 5 versus the Raiders. The cornerback also added a forced fumble and a recovery during the season.
DeJean logged 51 tackles (38 solo) as a rookie, including 0.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries across 16 regular-season games in 2024. DeJean's biggest and best moment came in Super Bowl LIX against the Chiefs, when he picked off Patrick Mahomes for a 38-yard interception return for a touchdown on his birthday.
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