We're finally past the rough stuff. We can officially say our boy has been baptized by fire. Cooper DeJean has been an official member of the Philadelphia Eagles since his name was scribbled on a draft card on April 26th. It's probably been hard for him to feel like it until recently though.
The Birds, both rookies and veterans, reported to training camp on July 23rd. Before the first practice a day later, we learned the former Iowa star would be sidelined with a hamstring injury and miss a few weeks. One can only imagine what he was thinking.
Injuries can sometimes make one feel like he's barely on the roster. DeJean's place on the roster was already certain, but he has to be pumped about getting some playing time.
Cooper DeJean makes his on-field debut versus the Vikings in front of the Eagles faithful.
There's been a steady progression with bringing the rookie along since Philly elevated him back to the roster from the NFI (Non-Football Injury list). That decision was made on August 13th. He sat out of the Eagles' second preseason game but got his feet wet during their third by playing 43 defensive snaps and another eight on special teams.
The hamstring appears to be okay and healed.
Cooper DeJean can ball. We know that, but he looked a tad rusty at times. That's understandable. He missed most of camp and the first two preseason games. An illegal contact penalty negated and interception, and the boundary was his best friend during the preseason finale.
On two occasions that we remember, the only reason he didn't give up a receiving TD was the guy he was defending, Lucky Jackson, failed to get both feet in bounds. Rook also found himself out of position at times. Then again, we can state the first incompletion to Jackson resulted from Coop shoving him out of bounds. It all depends on where you were standing and the vantage point perhaps.
He'll be fine. He helped run down a Vikings returner on the Eagles' first punt. He finished with five tackles (including three that were solo) and a TFL, but the game seemed to be moving too fast for him at times versus the Vikings.
There is much for the first-year pro to learn from here, but there is also a ton od talent to work with. Overall, we'd give the rookie's debut a B-minus. Once he relaxes and gets his head around during those deep throws from the opposing QB, he'll be fine. Let him get his reps. There is certainly no reason to panic following his first test versus live competition in pads.
