...
By Justin Grasso
Contributing Sports Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
A viral open-field tackle on Derrick Henry put Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean on the NFL's radar. A pick-six against Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl solidified Howie Roseman's 2024 second-round pick as a hit.
There's pressure on DeJean to follow up with a star-caliber season for his sophomore effort in 2025, and Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown is putting the pressure on him to reach a high bar of expectations.
"Honestly, I think it's a part of my responsibility—our responsibility as wide receivers to get those guys ready—and vice versa," Brown told reporters, regarding the secondary.
Read More on NFL
Read More: Former Eagles Standout Makes Statement on Philly's Super Bowl Rings
While Brown wants to challenge the entire Eagles secondary, he made it a personal mission to get DeJean to a level that only so many players reach.
"I joke around with Coop all the time. I call him All-Pro Coop... APC," Brown said on Wednesday. "It's going to be a year for him. I'm not trying to put pressure on him, but I tell him all the time, I'm going to make you All-Pro. That starts in camp each and every day."
...
As a rookie, DeJean appeared in 16 games last year. He started in nine of those matchups, slowly climbing up the pecking order. The 21-year-old combined 51 tackles, with three going for a loss. He registered half a sack and got one hit on the quarterback.
In the secondary, DeJean deflected six passes and forced a fumble. He didn't snatch any interceptions during the regular season, but he grabbed one on the NFL's biggest stage and took it to the house for six.
DeJean has a major advantage in his practice competition. Being that the Eagles have one of the most notable wide receiver groups in the NFL, he's involved in marquee matchups every day.
Since landing with the Eagles in 2022, Brown has had three-straight seasons of going for over 1,000 yards. In 47 matchups, Brown has racked up over 4,000 yards and nearly 30 touchdowns. Week in and week out, the three-time Pro Bowler has embraced the challenge of taking on every team's top defensive back, and rarely finds himself getting totally shut down.
The position DeJean is in will only help him sharpen his skills as the season approaches. Brown seems to believe the second-year veteran is well on his way to earning All-Pro status in the NFL.
For more Philadelphia Eagles and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines