The Philadelphia Eagles may have found their game-changing X-factor for Super Bowl LIX in rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean. Tasked with shutting down two of the Kansas City Chiefs' top targets, four-time All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce and rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy, DeJean’s performance could be the key to an Eagles victory.
A tough matchup on the biggest stage
DeJean’s primary challenge will be slowing down Kelce, the Chiefs’ leading receiver this season. His blend of strength and quickness makes him well-suited to challenge Kelce at the catch point and limit his separation. Additionally, he’ll be responsible for covering Worthy, who finished the regular season second on the team with 59 receptions.
While this is a significant assignment for any player, DeJean has proven he's up for the task. After a slow start to the season, partly due to recovering from a season-ending injury at Iowa, he emerged as a vital piece of Vic Fangio’s defensive unit. Despite logging just eight snaps in the first four weeks, DeJean became one of the best slot defenders in the league by season’s end.
Say it with us...
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 2, 2024
COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP!!!!@cdejean23 | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/bDoLXiK59S
Since taking over the starting nickel cornerback role in Week 6, DeJean has been one of the NFL’s most impressive rookies. His ability to shut down receivers in coverage and contribute to run defense has been crucial for an Eagles defense that struggled against the pass in 2023. His run-stopping prowess will also be essential in forcing the Chiefs into a one-dimensional attack.
A proven playmaker
Before his breakout rookie season in Philadelphia, DeJean was already a standout at Iowa. Named the 2023 Tatum-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year, he was one of college football’s elite defenders. In his final season at Iowa, quarterbacks recorded just a 37.8 passer rating when targeting him.
In 2022, he showcased his playmaking ability with five interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns. His ability to make game-changing plays caught the attention of NFL scouts, earning him a first-round draft grade from NFL Mocks.
Despite being projected as a first-round talent, DeJean fell to the second round due to missing the pre-draft process with a fractured fibula. The Eagles, however, saw his potential and traded up to No. 40, sending picks No. 50, No. 53, and a fifth-rounder to Washington to secure him.
Though he also missed 11 training camp practices with a hamstring injury, he quickly proved why Philadelphia valued him so highly. His scouting report highlighted his versatility, physicality, and football IQ, traits that have been on full display in his rookie season.
"The most versatile cornerback in the 2024 NFL Draft is Iowa’s Cooper DeJean. DeJean has the skill set to play either safety or cornerback in the NFL. In addition to being able to play multiple positions on defense, he is also an excellent punt returner and also thrives covering punts. As a pro prospect, he is a physical corner who excels in zone coverage. He also has tremendous ball skills having picked off seven passes over the past two seasons."Cooper DeJean 2024 scouting report
If DeJean can continue his lockdown play and neutralize Kelce and Worthy, he could be a major reason the Eagles hoist the Lombardi Trophy. With the Chiefs chasing history as they attempt a three-peat, DeJean may just be the key to ending their dynasty run.