The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft has come and gone, and Iowa Hawkeyes cornerback Cooper DeJean remains on the board heading into Friday. DeJean will likely be one of the first players selected in the second round of the draft. The first three picks of the second round belong to the Bills, Patriots, and Cardinals.
DeJean had a massive season in 2022, recording 59 solo tackles, five interceptions, and eight defended passes. Opposing quarterbacks learned not to target the defensive back in 2023, and he finished the season with 26 solo tackles, two interceptions, and five defended passes. He was named a unanimous All-American after his 2023 season. He fractured his fibula late in the 2023 season.
Cooper DeJean: Scouting Report
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein sees DeJean as a dual threat on both defense and special teams:
Highly competitive defensive back with plus ball skills and noteworthy special teams value. DeJean is big and bundled for a cornerback, with muscular arms and tight hips. He has fantastic interception production, but his movements are more linear than fluid, and he doesn’t have the easy change of direction needed in man coverage on the next level. His best football is played with his eyes forward, using his instincts to challenge quarterbacks and his big downhill burst to smack whatever needs smacking. He would seem to be a no-brainer as a punt returner and gunner in Year 1.
Bleacher Report adds praise for his zone reads:
DeJean excels in zone coverage, 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.
Mock Draft landing spots
The Bills are expected to go for a wide receiver here, but one Round 2 ESPN mock draft has them taking DeJean in the secondary with the first pick of the second round. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler sees the Arizona Cardinals taking DeJean with the third pick of the second round, writing “Between DeJean’s versatility and the Cardinals’ needs in the secondary, this is a team-player pairing that made a ton of sense in the first round — and makes even more sense in Round 2.” One CBS mock has DeJean falling all the way to the 53rd overall pick of the draft and going to the Eagles, though that seems improbable, given that the CB was often mocked in the first round ahead of the draft.