Fans hoping to see more of 2024 second-round draft pick Cooper DeJean will have to wait a while longer.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio addressed a number of topics during his media availability Thursday, and among them was DeJean’s lack of playing time to start the season. DeJean played only one snap against the Atlanta Falcons, entering at the nickel spot after starter Avonte Maddox briefly exited with an injury.
DeJean’s role going forward? Just that — the backup to Maddox at the nickel spot, Fangio said.
“For the first week, he was starting as the dime DB (defensive back),” the coach added. “So he was having to learn the dime and be the backup nickel. With all the time he’s lost, we’re going to focus him at nickel right now, and see if he can make good enough progress there.”
That’s been the problem with DeJean so far this season — a meandering lack of progress.
DeJean missed the first three weeks of training camp with a hamstring injury, finally making his debut during an Aug. 13 joint practice with the New England Patriots. He was a limited participant in that session and missed the preseason game two days later. The 21-year-old was able to ramp up his practice participation the following week and start in the home preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings, but his role in Fangio’s defense has been in flux ever since.
There’s a logjam at outside cornerback right now, with guys like Isaiah Rodgers and Kelee Ringo on the outside looking in behind starters Darius Slay and Quinyon Mitchell. The nickel spot represents the fastest path to playing time, but it would likely take an injury to Maddox, or one of the safeties, for DeJean to get on the field for meaningful reps any time soon.
It all adds up to a frustrating pro debut for DeJean, who starred as a defensive back at Iowa and was expected to help Philly’s struggling pass defense right away as the No. 40 overall pick. Fangio hasn’t given him much run since the hamstring injury, and it’s fair to be concerned about the rookie’s progress in the 38 days (and counting) since his return.
Frankly, for a team severely lacking in safety depth, it’s a bit of a red flag that DeJean hasn’t been able to take the nickel job from Maddox, who played safety throughout training camp. Fangio clearly feels more confident in the veteran, and that leaves the rookie on the outside looking in entering Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints.
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