Following their Super Bowl appearance, the Philadelphia Eagles endured a disappointing turn in the 2023 season. They stumbled late, losing five of their last six regular-season games and suffering a harsh defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.
To revitalize their roster, the Eagles made a significant move in free agency by acquiring star running back Saquon Barkley. However, their needs, particularly on defense, remain apparent.
With the upcoming draft, holding the No. 22 pick, NFL analyst Brian Baldinger suggests the Eagles focus on strengthening their secondary, advocating for the selection of Cooper DeJean.
DeJean, a standout cornerback from the University of Iowa, boasts impressive athleticism and keen field awareness. Additionally, he adds value as a punt returner, showcasing his versatility with 241 yards and a touchdown on 21 returns last season.
While the Eagles boasted a formidable defense in 2022, it faltered in 2023, partly due to changes within the coaching staff. At the season’s onset, defensive coordinator duties were managed by Sean Desai, later transitioning to senior defensive assistant Matt Patricia in December.
Now, with Vic Fangio taking the reins, known for his successful stints with the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears, Philadelphia aims to rejuvenate their defensive prowess.
Although the Eagles have enjoyed solid performances from cornerbacks James Bradberry and Darius Slay, both are entering the latter stages of their careers. Consequently, injecting youthful talent into the cornerback position becomes imperative for the team’s quest to reclaim elite defensive status.
It will be interesting to see what Howie Roseman ends up doing in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Philadelphia Eagles have some needs to address and DeJean would certainly be a good fit.
More must-reads: