The Philadelphia Eagles are making a major change on defense, ahead of Sunday’s Week 6 clash against the Cleveland Browns.
According to a report from ESN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Eagles plan to promote second-round rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean into the starting lineup, supplanting Avonte Maddox as the starting slot cornerbaack.
What Cooper DeJean Brings to Philadelphia Eagles’ Starting Lineup
DeJean says that he’s ready to take on an expanded role and play extended snaps after the strides he’s made since training camp and through practicing the first five weeks of the season.
“I’ve gotten more and more comfortable each week, being out there, getting more reps,” DeJean said. “I’ve been preparing like I’m going to play. That wouldn’t change if my role changed. I’m going to go out there and still prepare the same way.”
One of the most highly touted cornerback prospects in this spring’s loaded cornerback draft class, DeJean will get his chance to prove he can be an impact player in the Eagles’ secondary.
“He reminds me a lot of Jason Seahorn back in the day,” an NFL Executive told me ahead of the NFL Draft. “You might look up in a few years and he’s one of the best corners in the league.”
So far this season, DeJean has appeared in four games, primarily on special teams, including returning two punts for six yards.
Making the move to DeJean now likely both has to do with Maddox’s struggles, DeJean impressing the coaching staff throughout the past several months, as well as head coach Nick Sirianni looking to spark what has become a listless defense in recent weeks, both to course correct a 2-2 start but also perhaps spark a turnaround to relieve some of the pressure he’s facing to preserve his job.
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