Eagles OTAs: More outside snaps for Cooper DeJean?

It’s only May, and the snaps were limited, but early signs from Eagles OTAs suggest a potential shift in Cooper DeJean’s role entering his sophomore season.

During the team’s voluntary practice sessions this week, reporters observed DeJean lining up not only at his usual nickel cornerback spot but also outside in the base defensive package.

“I’ll play wherever, to be honest,” DeJean said on Wednesday. “Wherever they put me on the football field, I’ll play there. As long as I’m out there, I’ll be ready to play no matter the position, whether it’s corner, nickel, or safety.”

The shift doesn’t mean DeJean is vacating his nickel role; it points to a strategy aimed at maximizing his presence on the field. After a strong rookie campaign in which he took over for Avonte Maddox after the bye week, the Eagles are eager to keep their versatile young corner involved.

“They’re a little different,” DeJean said of the two positions. “I did it a little bit in college, played both. But they’re different. On the inside, you have to prepare more to fit the run and be able to cover and do all those things. At corner, it’s more worrying about covering the top guy, top receiver, with a lot of space.”

That versatility might prove especially valuable in the wake of offseason departures by veteran corners Darius Slay and Isaiah Rodgers.

With starting jobs up for grabs on the outside, the Eagles are weighing whether DeJean’s talent merits a full-time presence — inside, outside, or both — over potential replacements like Kelee Ringo or newcomer Adoree’ Jackson.

COOPER DEJEAN PICK TO THE HOUSE!

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