Double Dip

The always-aggressive Howie Roseman struck early in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, as the Eagles’ executive vice president of football operations traded up with NFC East rival Washington to the eighth pick in the second round, 40th overall, to take former Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean with their only second-round pick.

This happened less than 24 hours after the Eagles took former Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, the first corner taken by the Eagles in the first round since 2002.

“It’s amazing,” DeJean said in a video call with Philadelphia media. “This is the place I wanted to be. I had a great [30-] visit there during the draft process. Great coaches there, great team, great organization. This is something you dream of as a little kid. I’m excited to bring my talents there.”

DeJean is coming off a stellar three-year collegiate career with Iowa, recording seven interceptions over the past two seasons. In 2023, the 21-year-old was named a unanimous All-American despite his season being cut short due to a fractured fibula.

DeJean said he’s fully recovered from the injury and should be good to go.

At Iowa, he mainly played cornerback but also moved around, which is his expectation for his role in Vic Fangio’s defense in Philadelphia.

DeJean said he discussed playing outside corner, slot corner and safety with Eagles coaches.

“I don’t have a preference,” he said. “I’m a football player. You put me me on the field and I’m going to go play football, whether it’s inside, outside, safety, wherever it is.”

For much of the draft process, DeJean was a porjected first-round pick and considered one of the top overall prospects before questions surfaced about his exact NFL fit.

Though in college, DeJean spent time at almost every DB position from outside corner to slot to safety, many seem him best suited for safety at the pro level.

The versatility to play at both safety and the nickel spot will come in handy for Fangio and the Eagles, who recently re-acquired C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency.

The night began with the Eagles slated to pick 50th and 53rd overall and lacking a third-rounder, but the trade up for 40th overall saw the Eagles lose those previous second-rounders but add Washington’s third-round pick.

– Benjamin Paul is a staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.