NFL Draft 2024: Iowa CB Cooper DeJean Could Go Early, Sources Say

Offering versatility as an outside cornerback, a nickel, and even an immediate contributor on special teams as a punt returner, there’s a good chance that DeJean is one of the first defensive players to hear his name called by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday night.

“For all of the talk about him being a safety,” an NFC Executive tells me. “I think that’s nonsense. Take him and play him at cornerback. He reminds me a lot of Jason Seahorn back in the day. You might look up in a few years and he’s one of the best corners in the league.”

DeJean produced 41 total tackles last season, while intercepting two passes and breaking up five more, before tearing his ACL in Week 10 of the Hawkeyes’ season.

Cooper DeJean NFL Draft Scouting Report

Arguably the premier defensive prospect in this year’s class, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that DeJean is rising up boards this late in the process.

One of the few concerns surrounding DeJean, is his health from a torn ACL suffered last November, but he has all the tools to be an immediate plug-and-play impact player in a secondary.

“DeJean excels in zone coverage,” the Bleacher Report Scouting Department writes of DeJean. “But he’s versatile enough to play man as well. He shows a smooth backpedal and the ability to keep his leverage and quick footwork with few wasted steps. Although he transitions well, there are times where DeJean hops into his breaks; allowing a step of separation.

“When in zone, DeJean does a great job of reading and reacting to the quarterback’s eyes. Pairing that skill set with his route recognition, he often puts himself in good position with leverage and positioning.”

Teams such as the Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, and perhaps as a target of a Philadelphia Eagles trade up, could be potential landing spots for DeJean on Thursday night.