Amon-Ra St. Brown Earns High Praise from One of the NFL’s Top Young Corners
Amon-Ra St. Brown doesn’t just make plays-he makes defenders remember them.
Whether he’s moving the chains with a clutch third-down grab or finding the end zone, the Detroit Lions’ star wideout has a knack for letting you know about it. His celebrations toe the line of taunting, but here’s the thing: when you’re as good as St.
Brown, you’ve earned the right to flex a little.
That’s exactly why he’s gaining respect from players across the league, even from those who’ve managed to slow him down. Case in point: Cooper DeJean, the standout rookie cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles, who’s already turning heads as one of the league’s most promising young defenders.
When asked recently who he considers among the toughest wide receivers in the game, DeJean didn’t hesitate to name St. Brown.
“Amon-Ra, obviously, I knew he was good,” DeJean said. “But how strong he is running routes and at the catch point definitely surprised me a little bit. I think I’m a strong guy, but going against him-the way he runs his routes and how physical he is-him and Puka (Nacua).”
That’s high praise, especially considering the context. St.
Brown didn’t exactly light up the Eagles this past season-just 42 yards on two catches in their Week 11 meeting. And historically, Philly’s defense has kept him in check more often than not.
But that’s what makes DeJean’s comments so revealing. Even when St.
Brown isn’t stuffing the stat sheet, he’s leaving an impression. It’s the kind of respect that’s earned in the trenches-snap after snap, route after route.
DeJean’s comparison to Rams breakout star Puka Nacua is telling, too. Nacua and St.
Brown are built differently, but both bring a physical edge to the position that makes them a nightmare to cover. St.
Brown might not tower over defenders, but he plays like a receiver who’s bigger than his frame suggests. He’s tough at the top of his routes, strong through contact, and relentless after the catch.
That physicality, paired with his precise route running, makes him a problem no matter who’s lined up across from him.
And let’s not forget the bigger picture here. St.
Brown is already carving out a place in Lions history. Through five seasons, he’s climbed to fourth all-time in receiving yards for the franchise-a remarkable feat considering the names that have come through Detroit.
If he stays on this trajectory, he’s got a real shot at chasing down Calvin Johnson’s franchise record. That’s not a comparison thrown around lightly.
For Lions fans, none of this is news. They’ve watched St.
Brown grow into one of the league’s most consistent and competitive receivers. He’s become a cornerstone of an offense that’s steadily evolved with Jared Goff under center, Jameson Williams flashing his potential, and a coaching staff that knows how to maximize their weapons.
But hearing it from a top-tier defender-especially one who’s had success against him-adds a different level of validation. Amon-Ra St.
Brown might not always post gaudy numbers against every team, but his impact goes far beyond the box score. He’s a technician, a tone-setter, and a relentless competitor.
And when players like Cooper DeJean are talking about you with that kind of respect, it means you’re doing more than just catching passes-you’re commanding attention.