Nick Sirianni Reveals Why Cooper DeJean Is His Choice for Starting Nickel Back

Nick Sirianni isn’t known for tipping his hand early, but when it comes to , he made an exception.

Speaking after the final OTA session last week, the Eagles head coach openly endorsed the rookie defensive back for the team’s starting nickel back role, citing a rare blend of athleticism, intelligence, and toughness. “He’s got everything we want in that spot,” Sirianni said. “Quick feet, strong instincts, and he just doesn’t panic in space.”

DeJean, the standout from Iowa, has been gaining momentum all offseason. His versatility in college—lining up outside, inside, and even occasionally at safety—gave the Eagles an easy projection for their most complex defensive assignment. In a league where nickel has become a base defense, Sirianni believes DeJean’s skill set fits perfectly. “We put a lot on that position,” he explained. “It’s not just about covering the slot. It’s communication, run support, understanding leverage. Coop’s ahead of the curve.”

While the Eagles still have experienced options in the secondary, including Avonte Maddox and rookie Kelee Ringo competing for reps, the coaching staff seems confident in giving DeJean a real shot to start. His instincts and ability to read plays before they develop have stood out in early drills, and his tackling consistency makes him an asset in run defense.

Fans have also taken notice. Highlight clips from OTAs show DeJean breaking up passes, communicating pre-snap, and looking surprisingly polished for a first-year player. If he stays healthy and continues on this trajectory, it’s clear the Eagles envision him as a long-term anchor in the middle of their secondary.

For a team looking to rebound on defense after an inconsistent 2024, the rise of Cooper DeJean could be one of the most important stories of training camp—and beyond.