Eagles’ Cooper DeJean ready for even larger role

PHILADELPHIA In a pounding mix that included songs by Kendrick Lamar, Meek Mill, Beastie Boys, AC/DC and Tyga, See You on the Other Side by Ozzy Osbourne blared from the outdoor speakers at NovaCare Complex on Thursday, day two of Eagles training camp.

The Eagles find themselves on the other side of a Super Bowl championship and an offseason of celebrating, from New Orleans to The Tonight Show to Sea Isle City.

But as sure as stars are in the sky, count the Birds paranoid about a Super Bowl hangover.

In a thousand, thousand voices, virtually to a man, the theme of this camp is that its a brand new season and a brand new team.

Off limits are phrases like defending champs or repeat.

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio doesnt believe in Super Bowl hangovers anyway, adding that even if playing into February makes for a shorter break, theres no need to adjust practices.

I mean, youve got no better evidence than our own league, he said, donning a light camouflage Phillies cap.

From 2011 to 2018, the Patriots were in five Super Bowls.

The ones they werent in, they lost the (conference) championship game.

And then the last six years, the Chiefs have been in five Super Bowls.

The one they werent in, they lost the championship game.

And they didnt alter their schedule and plan.

All of that may be true.

But specifically regarding the idea of a hangover during that span, teams such as the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals certainly suffered some stumbles following appearances in the NFLs biggest game.

Thats what the Eagles are guarding against.

And in this brand new season, second-year defender Cooper DeJean, who capped a breakout rookie campaign at nickel cornerback with a pick-six in said Super Bowl, finds himself in some brand new territory as a pro.

Far from resting on his laurels, he is taking reps at outside corner and also at safety, mostly in the base package.

Fangio first publicly broached this probability during voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp both of which the Eagles actually did cut down, from a possible 10 OTA days to six and a maximum three minicamp days to one, given that they played into February.

Wed like to keep him at nickel, and then in our base package, well find a spot for him either at corner or safety.

Fangio said at the time.

I think a lot of it will end up depending upon how the rest of the guys develop and where we most need him.

So, it will be determined by whats best for him and whats best for the team, and probably whats best for the team will win out in that decision.

But hes capable of playing corner and hes capable of playing safety also.

I think he would play very well at safety.

I think it suits his skillset, things that he does well.

I just think he would do very well in there.

The Eagles base defense consists of three down linemen, a pair of edge defenders, two coverage linebackers, two outside corners and two safeties (obviously eliminating DeJeans spot at slot corner).

The Birds, like much of the league, mostly play nickel; last year there were in base fewer than eight times per game.

But they want DeJean on the field as much as possible, even if it means moving him around.

I love the challenge, DeJean said after Thursdays practice.

I did some switching back and forth in college and I know the coaches are going to do whats best here and put me where I fit best within the defense.

Its a different perspective back there (at safety) and Im still kind of getting used to it, learning the position.

Im trying to get comfortable back there and its coming along great.

Were out there competing.

I love it.

When the Eagles drafted DeJean last year, they envisioned eventually moving him to the outside long-term, but not only do they love how he plays on the inside, they feel like Kelee Ringo and Adoree Jackson will battle for the second outside corner spot.

Plus, rookie Mac McWilliams might be able to pitch in at slot.

Meanwhile, second year corner Quinyon Mitchell, who also had a brilliant rookie season, has switched from the left side of the defense to the right side for several reps this camp, just in case such a move might be beneficial for matchups in some games.

It seems that he, DeJean and this incarnation of the Birds are eager to expand their skills.

Its a new season now and I have to be better for this defense and this team than I was last year, DeJean said.

Now, the focus is all on football and helping us win football games.

Thats what matters.

Towering defensive tackle Jordan Davis, who stands 6-foot-6 and weighed in at 356 pounds at one point last year, started shedding some weight in the second half of the season.

And he came to camp looking even slimmer.

Should I take my shirt off so yall can see it? Davis, who has dropped 26 pounds, said Thursday.

Understanding my role is bigger, and whats expected of me is greater, and so obviously you have to change and adapt.

...

Im ready to hit the ground running, and fortunately we got a great group of guys along the D-line, and were all pushing each other.

We all motivate each other.

So, I just want to be the best for the team not only for the team, but for my brothers.

Davis, who explained that he made some lifestyle changes, said he feels as powerful as ever and has more energy.

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X at @the_defranc..

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