Why Cooper DeJean is ready to start against the Falcons

PHILADELPHIA − We saw Quinyon Mitchell start Week 1 at cornerback for the Eagles, and there’s a good chance we’ll see cornerback Cooper DeJean become the second player from the Eagles’ rookie class to start this Monday night against the Atlanta Falcons.

It’s not something Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio would admit. But the evidence is there.

For one, DeJean was behind after missing the first three weeks of training camp, and as Fangio said Wednesday: “He pretty much missed all of training camp except for the Minnesota week (Aug. 24), so he’s behind. But we’re trying to catch up.”

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DeJean played six snaps in dime packages in the Eagles’ 34-29 win over the Packers on Sept. 6. DeJean told Delaware Online/The News Journal after the game that it was “great to get my feet wet,” but he was also ready for more.

“It always helps to have the first one under your belt,” DeJean added. “Now you know what to expect from here. It can only get better from here. You just have to keep getting better.”

Second, Fangio said he believes in playing his top five defensive backs, regardless of position. Isaiah Rodgers missed the game against the Packers with a hand injury. But it was already clear that Mitchell outplayed him on the outside.

And nothing Mitchell did against Green Bay changed that. Mitchell was tested on the Packers’ opening drive when QB Jordan Love tried to hit Christian Watson in the end zone from 37 yards out. Mitchell had Watson covered and broke up the pass.

In total, the Packers targeted Mitchell 10 times and completed five passes, for 86 yards. Love’s passer rating was a paltry 56.3 when targeting the rookie, according to CBSSports’ Jeff Kerr.

“They caught a couple balls on him, in front of him,” Fangio said. “He made a great play on the deep ball they threw to him early in the game. I thought he played well.”

In Rodgers’ absence, Fangio decided to use veteran Avonte Maddox as a nickel back because he wanted to keep Mitchell on the outside against the Packers’ receivers. Mitchell had played nickel for much of training camp, but was drafted in the first round as an outside corner.

Maddox struggled playing nickel, though. Love completed all three of his passes with Maddox as a defender. The passes went for 30 yards and scored a touchdown. It’s possible Rodgers could play nickel when he returns, though that seems unlikely since he’s barely been used at the position in training camp.

That would leave DeJean as the next best option. And Fangio didn’t rule out the possibility when asked if DeJean would one day be part of the Eagles’ top defensive combination as a nickel, with Mitchell remaining on the outside.

“It’s possible,” Fangio said, without giving further details.

Book it.

So here’s how the Eagles’ other rookies fared in Week 1 against the Packers, and what we can expect against the Falcons:

Round 3: Jalyx Hunt, edge

Hunt wasn’t on the game-day roster, with the Eagles selecting Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham and Nolan Smith. Patrick Johnson was used exclusively on special teams. That likely won’t change unless there’s an injury. Hunt, after all, was considered a developmental player when he was drafted.

4th round: Will Shipley, RB

Shipley played four snaps on offense and 17 snaps on special teams. Shipley didn’t have any offensive stats, but he did have one tackle on special teams. Shipley won’t get much of a chance on offense with Saquon Barkley and Kenny Gainwell in front of him. But he should be a key player on special teams.

5th round: Ainias Smith, WR

Smith is on injured reserve with ankle and hamstring injuries and will miss at least three more games.

5th round: Jeremiah Trotter, LB

Trotter wasn’t used at linebacker despite the Eagles’ lackluster roster without Devin White (ankle). Zack Baun (15 tackles, two sacks) played 100 percent of the snaps, and Nakobe Dean (four tackles, one pass deflection) played 96 percent. That probably won’t change, especially when White returns. Fangio said White will serve as a backup at linebacker. Trotter played 15 snaps on special teams.

5th round: Trevor Keegan, OL

McKee was not on the game-day roster because the Eagles selected Tyler Steen as their backup fullback/tackle. Nick Gates was also the backup at fullback, but he has experience at center. Veteran Fred Johnson is the backup tackle.

6th round: Johnny Wilson, receiver

Wilson played 10 snaps on offense. He was targeted once, but didn’t have a reception. Wilson was praised by offensive coordinator Kellen Moore for his blocking. That will likely remain his role moving forward, with perhaps a few targets in the red zone.

6th round: Dylan McMahon, C

McMahon is no longer with the Eagles. He was released on roster cuts day and re-signed to the practice squad. But the Rams signed him to their 53-man roster on Sept. 10.

Contact Martin Frank at [email protected]. Follow him on X @Mfranknfl, on Threads and on Instagram @martinfrank1.