Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean might be a rising name in the NFL, but he’s got his eye on greatness in a different sport right now, and he’s all in on the upcoming Stanley Cup Final.
Cooper DeJean Picks Connor McDavid, Oilers To Win Stanley Cup
On Episode 5 of the “Exciting Mics” podcast, DeJean joined fellow Eagles defenders Zack Baun and Reed Blankenship to talk shop ahead of the Edmonton Oilers’ matchup with the Florida Panthers.
“I’m taking the Edmonton Oilers,” DeJean said. “I think the Panthers won it last year, and I like Connor McDavid. Arguably the best player in the league right now, Connor McDavid. People say he’s like Kyrie on skates.”
While DeJean is catching attention for his off-field takes, Philadelphia fans are far more focused on where he’ll line up coming September. Drafted for his elite versatility, DeJean isn’t even locked into a position yet.
Officially listed as a defensive back on the Eagles’ roster, he’s expected to get reps at nickelback, cornerback, and safety in training camp. According to defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, that flexibility is exactly what makes him so valuable.
“We’d like to keep him at nickel, and then in our base package, we’ll find a spot for him, either at corner or safety,” Fangio said. “It will be determined by what’s best for him and what’s best for the team, and what’s best for the team will win out.”
Fangio added that DeJean has the tools to thrive as a safety if needed. “I think he would play very well at safety. I think it suits his skill set, things that he does well,” said Fangio.
Eagles Banking on DeJean’s Adaptability
Fangio also pushed back on the obsession with labels, saying too much media attention goes to “base” roles that don’t reflect how teams actually line up most of the time.
Whether DeJean becomes a starting safety, slots in as a nickelback, or rotates in at corner, the Eagles plan to get the most out of him. The key will be training camp and preseason matchups, where the rookie will have a chance to prove where he can help the team most.
“It’s going to take a training camp, a few preseason games to work that out,” said Fangio.
For now, DeJean will keep watching elite athletes like McDavid dominate their sport and wait his turn to do the same on Sundays.