The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft is expected to produce plenty of offensive star power. Several teams will find their future quarterback, top receiver, and stalwart tackle. But the defensive side of the ball presents a few hidden draft talents like Iowa’s Cooper DeJean.
Big-10 Star Cooper DeJean Could Be Steal of 2024 NFL Draft
Teams value versatility, especially on defense. In a draft class with loads of offensive blue-chip talent, teams will be hawking the draft for star power on defense, and Cooper DeJean fits the bill. His career at Iowa was memorable because of his highlight-reel interceptions and pass breakups. Beyond impacting the game as a defender, DeJean became a dangerous punt returner. Many will remember his punt return against Minnesota that was called back but would have likely given Iowa a victory. Instead, the Hawkeyes lost. While DeJean’s incredible return never hit the box score against Minnesota, it was a glimpse of what he can do with the ball in his hands.
As a cornerback, DeJean recorded multiple touchdowns off interceptions. He set a school record at Iowa in 2022 by turning three interceptions into touchdowns in one season. At Iowa, he received countless accolades for his ability as a returner and defender. His ability to play different positions throughout the secondary made him a valuable asset for the Hawkeyes defense. The ball skills and tracking ability Cooper DeJean displayed at Iowa make him a highly coveted prospect in this upcoming draft class.
An Unexpected Rise to Stardom
At a program like Iowa, players have been able to develop from unheralded recruits into NFL prospects. Guys like George Kittle, Lukas Van Ness, and T.J. Hockenson come to mind as former two and three-star recruits who became hot names in the NFL. Head coach Kirk Ferentz is about as good as they come at developing players, even if the Iowa Hawkeyes have not become a perennial playoff contender.
DeJean’s rise to stardom began in a small town in Iowa, where he lettered in four sports and became a high school phenom. The staff under Ferentz identified his talent before many schools and found ways to incorporate him into the defense at multiple positions. A stellar pro day helped boost DeJean’s stock, and now he is considered a lock to go in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Team Fits
Many teams could use a player with DeJean’s skill set. He brings position versatility that fits the modern NFL. His speed to cover top receivers and physicality to play close to the line of scrimmage make him a top prospect. Teams that stand out are the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Philadelphia Eagles. Each team needs help at cornerback and could find a home for DeJean.
For teams like the Packers, Lions, Steelers, and Eagles, it might take trading up to land DeJean. His stock continues to rise, and the lack of blue-chip talent on defense could make him a prized draft commodity. Trading up is always risky, but the chance to land a steal like DeJean would be worthwhile for any team in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Main Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski – USA Today Sports
