2024 Exclusive Sneak Peek: Cooper DeJean, CB Iowa
Welcome to the Exclusive Sneak Peek: Cooper DeJean, Cornerback from Iowa. He is from Odebolt, Iowa and was a 3-star recruit out of Battle Creek-Ida Grove High School.
DeJean started his collegiate career as a member of the Iowa Hawkeyes as a part-time player, appearing in only 7 games with limited snaps.
He saw a significant increase in playing time in his Sophomore season where he played in 13 games. In that season, he racked up admirable numbers with 56 solo tackles, 19 assists, and 5 interceptions.
DeJean’s stats took a small step back as he recorded only 26 solo tackles, 15 assists, and 2 interceptions. Despite this dip in production, he was named a Consensus All-American for the 2023 season.
Measurables
NCAA Statistics
| Tackles | Def Int | Fumbles | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Solo | Ast | Tot | Loss | Sk | Int | Yds | Avg | TD | PD | FR | Yds | TD | FF |
| *2021 | Iowa | Big Ten | FR | DB | 7 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| *2022 | Iowa | Big Ten | SO | 13 | 56 | 19 | 75 | 3.0 | 0.0 | 5 | 91 | 18.2 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| *2023 | Iowa | Big Ten | JR | DB | 10 | 26 | 15 | 41 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 2 | 41 | 20.5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | Iowa | 85 | 35 | 120 | 5.0 | 0.0 | 7 | 132 | 18.9 | 3 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||
Scouting Reports
Strengths
- Elite combinations of size and speed that are tough to match at the position.
- Ball-hawking defender with an elite ability to close gaps in pursuit.
- Freakish athlete with insane explosiveness and play-making ability.
- Size and technique allow him to be a versatile defender able to play in the slot or on the perimeter.
- Great burst and acceleration that allows him to keep up with most receivers.
- A physical and aggressive defender who loves contested catch situations enjoys making a play on the ball.
Weaknesses
- His massive size leaves him with less agility than you would like in his position.
- Can be overly physical in press coverage and waste energy making contact.
- Sometimes struggles with technique in tracking Out routes.
- He is occasionally prone to giving up chunk plays as he goes for the big hit.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Expected Draft Capital: Mid 2nd Round
Ideal Landing Spot: Green Bay Packers
DeJean should find himself taken somewhere in the 2nd round and Green Bay would be an ideal spot. The Packers are a solid young team with a massive need at the corner. The lone star on the roster is the undersized Jaire Alexander who has struggled often with injuries.
Using a 2nd round pick on the big, physical defender would give them the depth and size they so desperately lack on their current roster.
With his college production and after being named a Consensus All-American, I wouldn’t be surprised if DeJean went in the early 2nd round or even the end of the 1st round, so Packers fans should be waiting with bated breath in hopes of him falling to them.
Post-Draft Analysis
Pick 2.40 to the Philadelphia Eagles
DeJean
