Eagles’ Darius Slay Used One Word to Describe Rookie CB Cooper DeJean

Philadelphia Eagles corner Darius Slay has played with several talented defensive backs throughout his 11-year NFL career.

He's played alongside the likes of Pro Bowlers Quandre Diggs in Detroit and James Bradberry in Philadelphia - and now entering the 2024 NFL season, Slay is joined by another high-upside player in the Eagles secondary.

With the 40th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, Philadelphia selected Iowa standout cornerback Cooper DeJean.

During a recent episode of Chris Long's Green Light podcast, Slay referred to the Eagles' rookie defensive back as "special."

"Like, he's special," Slay said. "I saw Cooper DeJean in high school playing basketball, right. I saw him doing windmill dunks and all kinds of crazy stuff.

"I'm like, woo! And then, like, I commented to him like four years ago and he commented back saying he appreciated it. Then the next thing you know he gets drafted to us."

DeJean isn't the only rookie expected to play a role in the Eagles' secondary in 2024.

Former Toledo star Quinyon Mitchell, the 22nd overall pick in this spring's NFL Draft, is already turning heads in Philadelphia.

"He was sticky in coverage throughout the spring and very much looked like he belonged despite making the leap from the Mid-American Conference," ESPN's Tim McManus wrote earlier this month.

The Philadelphia defense allowed the second-most passing yards (4,296) of any NFL team in 2023.

With that said, the Eagles are likely hoping Slay's experience and knowledge rubs off on the two rookie defensive backs.

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