Why Cooper DeJean’s unclear role is a ‘good thing’ for Vic Fangio, Eagles
When it comes to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025, few players are as multifaceted as Cooper DeJean.
Technically listed as a cornerback, DeJean is deployed mainly out of the slot, but from snap to snap, he can be lined up on the outside against perimeter wide receivers, playing in the box like a quasi safety, or even used at the second level of the defense, filling the role a weakside linebacker may have filled a few years back.
Asked about how his versatility came into play in Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season, including his slot cornerback blitz that nearly resulted in a forced fumble if it wasn’t for a flag, Fangio told reporters during his Week 6 media availability that finding spots for DeJean is an opportunity, not a challenge, as he can do pretty much anything the veteran DC could ask for.
“It’s not a challenge. It’s a good thing,” Fangio explained. “He’s playing nickel for us, obviously. He plays corner and base. He could play safety if we needed him to. He’s just a [heck] of a football player [who] I’m glad we have.”
Where a normal nickel cornerback might play 70 percent of defensive snaps considering three wide receiver sets are more or less the new base offensive set at the NFL level, DeJean has been on the field for all 333 of the Eagles’ defensive snaps so far this season, with third cornerbacks Kelee Ringo, Jakorian Bennett, and Adoree’ Jackson combining for 269 total snaps or 80 percent.
As a result, DeJean has been tasked with playing the sort of complex, multifaceted role that makes him a real pain in the behind for opposing quarterbacks and their offensive coordinators, as it’s hard to judge where he will be on any given play because of his inside-out versatility. Factor in his incredible athletic gifts, and Fangio’s assertion that DeJean’s versatility is a good problem to have is right on point.
Browns veteran already looks finished one month into 2025 season
It's no secret the Browns have had a massive issue at offensive tackle this season, as veteran Jack Conklin had an early absence following a Week 1 elbow injury, while Dawand Jones suffered a season-ending injury. As a result, swing tackle Cornelius Lucas was thrust into a full-time starting role basically from the jump. They have since acquired Cam Robinson and got Conklin back from injury, but the trade was more a result of not getting near the level of play they need from Lucas or KT Leveston.
Lucas is in his age-34 season, where he has mostly been the sixth offensive tackle who fills in during a pinch for an injured starter. While that was originally his job when he signed a two-year deal this offseason, he quickly became a starter with the injuries up front. Unfortunately, the once-steady veteran has not played like he did during the first 12 years of his career, putting up an abysmal start to his Cleveland tenure.
Cornelius Lucas struggled taking on a larger role than usual
Per PFF, Lucas is graded as the 97th-ranked offensive tackle out of 113 players with a 45 overall grade. He's put up a horrid 35.6 pass blocking grade on the 14th most pass blocking snaps of any tackle. PFF has credited Lucas with allowing 28 pressures in those snaps, including two sacks, which has led to his horrendous grade. No tackle in the NFL has allowed more pressures through five weeks than Lucas, and that's without him getting a single snap in Week 5.
The rest of the offense has undeniably had their issues as well - from apathetic play out of Joe Flacco, to receivers struggling to create consistent separation - but most of those issues could be partially hidden with better offensive tackle play. It's unfortunate they could not get better play out of Lucas, but perhaps more time learning the offense, along with some continuity, could better prepare him for the next time his number is called upon.
Considering Lucas is one of the few offensive linemen under contract in 2026, the Browns could really use him to get back on track to at least be a competent swing tackle option going forward.
