Video: Cooper DeJean Talks Derrick Henry Hit, 'Didn't Expect to Fully Pick Him Up'

Philadelphia Eagles rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean surprised himself with his big hit on Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry.

"I said this earlier but I didn't expect to fully pick him up and put him on the ground, it kind of just happened like that," DeJean told reporters on Sunday.

In the fourth quarter of the Eagles' 24-19 win over the Ravens, Henry caught a short pass before the league's second-leading rusher was lifted up and driven into the ground by the 21-year-old.

DeJean finished with five tackles and a pass defensed in the win.

Henry was still able to pick up 82 rush yards, but he couldn't find the end zone after scoring 13 times in 12 games prior to Sunday's action. He also averaged a mere 4.3 yards per carry against Philadelphia, well below his season average of 5.9 yards per attempt.

The Ravens struggled to finish drives against DeJean and the Eagles' defense. Baltimore scored below 20 points for just the second time in 2024. While the result was aided by two missed field goals and an extra point from kicker Justin Tucker, Philadelphia also deserves credit for the relatively low scoring total.

DeJean was selected by the Eagles with a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft. He opened the regular season as a contributor on special teams, but he's gradually carved out a role as part of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's unit as the year has progressed.

In fact, he's been a member of the starting defense in each of Philadelphia's past six games.

Throughout 12 total appearances, DeJean has racked up 35 tackles and two tackles for loss to go along with six passes defensed. Pro Football Focus has given him an impressive 79.6 grade for his efforts in 2024, allowing 31 receptions on 44 targets.

Henry has proven himself as one of the league's most physical runners throughout his storied career, but DeJean won their individual battle on Sunday.