The 2024 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Cooper DeJean 2024 NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Cornerback
School: Iowa
Size: 6-foot 1/2 inches, 203 pounds
Class: Junior
2023 stats: 41 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 5 passes defended
DeJean had a great career at Iowa, but it ended early due to a fractured fibula. He is now in the 2024 NFL Draft.
As a four-star recruit in the class of 2021, DeJean decided to stay in-state to play for the Hawkeyes. DeJean mostly played special teams in his first year at Iowa, but also saw the field on defense at safety. He started the majority of the season at corner in 2022, registering 75 total tackles, five interceptions and eight passes defended. His play helped Iowa go 8-5. DeJean started off the 2023 season well with 41 total tackles, two interceptions and five passes defended. His season ended after 10 games with a fractured fibula. Iowa was able to win 10 games during DeJean’s junior season. He also created an impact during his Iowa career with four career return touchdowns.
Following the season, DeJean decided to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a first or second-round pick.
DeJean has good instincts and awareness in zone coverage. He has good eye balance between his man and the quarterback. DeJean is able to read where a play is going and then go make a play on the ball. He is usually in good position in zone coverage to not allow a catch.
His ball skills are unique for the position. DeJean can read where the ball is going to go, then jumps after the ball. He attacks the catchpoint well, coming down with a pass defended or interception. Once the ball is in his hands, he has the ability to take it back for a touchdown, which is why he was used as a returner as well.
He has good athleticism in a few different ways. DeJean has good quickness and decent top-end speed. His quick and sudden movements help him break on the ball quickly. He has solid speed can help him keep up with some of the more athletic receivers. DeJean shows a good ability to high point the football as well with good leaping ability.
DeJean’s hips can be tight, which makes it hard for him to change direction when in coverage. There are some concerns with this and a move to safety might be in play if he can mirror receivers in coverage. He can play safety well, but should first be given a chance to play cornerback and see if he can work on this.
His hip tightness makes it tough for him in man-to-man coverage. He was able to play it decently at the college level, but in the NFL against premier athletes, he may have trouble in that regard. DeJean will have to trust his technique and instincts to be successful in man to man at the next level.
There are a few things out of DeJean’s control that will likely hurt his draft stock. First is the fibula inury that was suffered in 2023. He was unable to work out at the combine, but should be ready to go for next season. The other is that he didn’t play a lot of pass-heavy offenses in the Big Ten West that could really test him.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick-Second Round Pick
Draft Grade: First Round Pick
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