Could the Eagles’ latest move to shift Cooper DeJean to outside cornerback reshape their entire defensive game?QQ
Cooper DeJean has played like an All-Pro this season, and he’s been the most consistent Eagles player on both sides of the ball through eight games. The trade deadline is scheduled for November 4. Philadelphia just acquired another cornerback; they may be forced to move DeJean outside and make adjustments at safety. DeJean has been prepared for a potential position switch and told Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia that he’s open to the move.
“I’d play wherever they put me,” DeJean said. “Obviously, I’ve played a little bit more outside these last few weeks, us being in base more. I feel like I’m getting more and more comfortable out there. But if they put me out there, I feel like I’d have no problem moving outside if that was the case.”
Vic Fangio has previously talked about keeping DeJean in the slot, and Carter’s addition could be about depth. Still, the move makes sense if Philadelphia wants to ensure lockdown defenders on the outside. According to Deniz Selman, Carter has played most of his snaps in the slot.
2104 snaps (84.7%) as a slot CB44 snaps (1.8%) as an outside CB335 snaps (13.5%) misc. (LB/S/edge)
According to PFF, DeJean has allowed zero catches in coverage and has given up just 0.56 yards per cover snap and a first down or touchdown on only 24% of his targets. DeJean ranks fourth in PFF coverage grade and second in advanced coverage grade when defending underneath zones.
In the Week 6 loss to the Giants, DeJean played 22 snaps at wide corner, according to ProFootballFocus. For comparison, DeJean played just eight snaps at the outside cornerback spot his entire rookie year.
