Bleeding Green Nation
The Eagles second-round pick is excited to be in Philly and is excited to get back to playing football.
The Eagles traded up in the second round to get Cooper DeJean out of Iowa, making him the second cornerback for the team in as many days. DeJean hopped on a call with reporters following the pick, and talked about his versatility and skillset, as well as gave an update on the leg injury he suffered back in November.
“It’s amazing, this is the place I wanted to be. I had a great visit there during the draft process. Great coaches there, great team, great organization. This is something you dream of as a little kid, so I’m excited to bring my talents there. Get in, get to work, learn from the vets that are there right now, and go win some football games.”
DeJean was asked about having a first-round grade but ultimately going in the second round, but the CB seemed unfazed, saying that he just wanted to get an opportunity to play. He went on to admit that there was some frustration on Thursday night, but ultimately, he’s happy about where he landed.
The second-round pick was touted as one of the more versatile DBs in this year’s draft class, and he said the Eagles spoke to him about playing several different positions. DeJean said he doesn’t have a preference, whether he’s lining up inside, outside, or at safety, he just wants to be out on the football field.
“I think it’s a great thing being able to play multiple positions, being able to impact the game from different spots — outside, inside, in the deep middle, wherever it is. So, I think [being versatile] is a good thing.”
DeJean was asked about his recovery from a season-ending fibula fracture back in November, but the CB said he’s good and if there was a game today, he’d be ready to go. He later acknowledged it was his first major injury, but his trainers at Iowa and through the pre-draft process got him back on his feet quickly.
He went on to talk about how playing in the Big Ten means playing physical football, and the experience going against guys like Marvin Harrison Jr. his sophomore year has helped him develop. DeJean also credited his coaches at Iowa for giving him experience playing at different positions.
Throughout his press conference DeJean mentioned that he’s just excited to get back to playing football. After being sidelined in November, and then having to go through all the events in the pre-draft process, the CB is really looking forward to getting back to football, the game he loves.
