Cooper DeJean 2024 NFL Draft Profile
Riley Moss entered the NFL ranks last year. Believe it or not, Iowa is producing ANOTHER white cornerback. Except Cooper DeJean is regarded as the better player (and I was a fan of Moss). We know why you’re here so I’m going to proceed now. Get ready for your official 2024 NFL Draft Profile on the Iowa cornerback!
There are going to be some people who overlook DeJean for simply being a white defensive back. They basically don’t exist at the NFL level. The production stuff here sort of speaks for itself. Just automatically crossing him off your list would be a mistake.
DeJean, was a former four star recruit coming out of high school. The Ida Grove, Iowa native was recruited as a safety and there was even some thought he could transition into a speed linebacker.
The production stuff here just can’t be ignored. Didn’t contribute a ton as a freshman but burst onto the scene in 2022 and 2023. DeJean was named to the Second-team All-Big Ten Conference and finished the year with five interceptions. Three of them were returned for touchdowns. He was so good during the Bowl game that he won Music City Bowl MVP against Kentucky. Then followed all of that up with First-team Associated Press All-American, Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year, Return Specialist of the Year, and First-team All-Big Ten Conference. Might have been more had he not broken his leg at the end of the year.
DeJean also has a basketball and track background. Speaking of that track background, while we don’t have Combine information to work with because of the leg fracture, the guy put on a total show at his Pro Day. DeJean checks in at 6-foot, 203, and ran a 4.45 and jumped 38.5 inches. Probably more of a 4.52 guy given how shaky these Pro Day times are. Still has more than enough speed. That part isn’t a concern.
If you’re looking to be a hater but are a rational person you can find flaws. The biggest one is where is the guy going to play at the NFL level? Recruiters saw him as a Jessie Bates type of guy. Is he going to be able to hold up as an outside corner at the NFL level? There are times where he struggles to open up the hips and locate the football. Remember defense is what Iowa does. He wasn’t asked to play in these shoot out type of games. I think he’s better as a rangy guy who can locate the ball and attack. Tackles well and might be best as a strong safety with plus ball skills who can also help in the return game.
I like Cooper DeJean. I just think the hype is a bit more than I’m comfortable with. I think he’s a second round player probably best at safety. Should be able to help any secondary but I’m not sure you’re getting a star who is a no doubt lock to extend the 5th year option to.
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