Eagles take Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJong in ESPN mock draft

There isn't a ton of excitement for Philadelphia Eagles as they enter the playoffs going 1-5 in their last 6 games. They are the sixth team in NFL history to lose five of their last six games and still make the playoffs. None of the previous five advanced past the Divisional Playoffs.

Per ESPN Stats and Info: Worst Record in Final 6 Games by Playoff Teams – NFL History

2023 Eagles 1-5 - ?
2022 Dolphins 1-5 ~Lost Wild Card
1999 Dolphins 1-5 ~ Lost Divisional
1999 Seahawks 1-5 ~ Lost Wild Card
1997 Vikings 1-5 ~ Lost Divisional
1986 Jets 1-5 ~ Lost Divisional

The Philadelphia Eagles had two picks last year landing Georgia products Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith.

Get our free mobile app

Ahead of their NFC Wild Card round matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Eagles aren't locked into a pick just yet, but currently have the 27th overall pick in this years draft. which ESPN's Jordan Reid sees them using to select Iowa cornerback/safety Cooper DeJean.

Philadelphia hasn't drafted a defensive back in the first round since Lito Sheppard in 2002, but considering how poorly the secondary has played, it might be time to break the 21-year streak. From Week 13 on, the Eagles were 27th in the league in opponent yards per attempt (7.8). Plus, starting safety Sydney Brown suffered a knee injury in Week 18, thinning the team's depth chart. DeJean is dealing with a leg injury of his own, but he can play corner or safety -- I have him as the top safety in the class -- and he had seven interceptions over the past two seasons. He has great speed and plays with physicality.

The Eagles are starting to show their age in the secondary with Darius Slay missing time with a knee injury and James Bradberry taking a big step back this season.  The Eagles had only nine interceptions as a team this season with two coming from Slay and one from Bradberry.

And from a financial perspective, both Slay  and Bradberry have potential outs in 2025 and both over 30 years old and have years left on their contracts.

The Eagles will have to manage that cap space balancing act, while trying to keep two veteran players happy.

DeJean is a playmaker who play anywhere in the secondary, finishing his college career with four total touchdowns, including three in 2022 on interception returns, and one in  on a punt return this season.

He was a very productive player for one of the best defenses in the county, recording 41 tackles (26 solo, 15 assists), including two tackles for a loss, two interceptions, five pass break-ups, and returned 21 punts for 241 yards this season.