Eagles snag DB DeJean after trading up

The Philadelphia Eagles continue to bolster their secondary.

Philadelphia selected Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, No. 40 overall.

The Eagles moved up early in Round 2 to take the versatile DeJean after sending the 50th, 53rd, and 161st picks to the Washington Commanders. In addition to the 40th overall selection, Philly will receive the No. 78 choice.

The Eagles also used their 2024 first-round pick on a defensive back, drafting Toledo corner Quinyon Mitchell 22nd overall on Thursday.

Fixing its secondary was Philly's top priority after the team allowed the fourth-highest passer rating in the NFL in 2023. The Eagles also signed defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency.

Pre-draft profile

DeJean is a solid athlete with good coverage skills. His hip tightness could limit his man coverage matchups at the next level, but the former Hawkeye is a great zone cover man who should match up with just about anyone. DeJean's athletic traits pop when he's in space, especially when he's closing in on throws and ball carriers. The 21-year-old brings safety-like tackling capabilities and the mentality to match. He also provides immediate special teams value as a returner. DeJean didn't face the most impressive offenses in 2023, but he was excellent against all of them and projects as an early starter in the NFL.