Finally: Eagles rookie CB Cooper DeJean expected to start at nickel over Avonte Maddox

The Philadelphia Eagles are making key defensive changes coming out of the bye week.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, rookie CB Cooper DeJean will start at nickel over Avonte Maddox moving forward.

Changes to the Eagles’ lineup are on the table as 2-2 Philly emerges from its bye week. One position to watch: Rookie Cooper DeJean taking over nickel corner duties from veteran Avonte Maddox. That’s a move I’m expecting, barring new developments.

DeJean, a second-rounder with first-round talent, got off to a slow start due to a preseason injury but is considered all caught up with Vic Fangio’s scheme. I’m told multiple defensive positions were up to discussions over the past week due to a defense that ranks 30th in yards per play allowed (6.0).

The shakeup began in earnest Tuesday, when the team released linebacker Devin White, a former Pro Bowl player who has been a healthy scratch all season.

DeJean at nickel was likely the plan all along, but an offseason injury ahead of training camp delayed the process. Veteran slot CB Avonte Maddox has become a liability in coverage and tackling while DeJean gets up to speed — it was evident a change was needed.

The Eagles selected two cornerbacks in last year’s NFL draft with their top selections. Quinyon Mitchell has already looked the part early on; we’ll see if DeJean can follow suit.

How did Cooper DeJean fall to the second round🤯 pic.twitter.com/L4X3MR1Yc9

— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 26, 2024

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