Iowa DB Cooper DeJean 2024 NFL Draft Profile

Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

Height/Weight: 6-0, 203

Age: 21.1

Strengths

• Footwork: Tight steps and little wasted movement when aligned in press coverage
• Backpedal: Natural pedal with swift feet and the confidence to keep everything in front of him
• Long speed: Shows no issue carrying vertical patterns
• Instincts: Can play match quarters or 3 carry with the FBI to leave one route and cover another
• Ball Skills: Capable of both securing interceptions and cribbing them, with experience and expertise as a returner

Areas of Improvement-Concerns

• Handsy: Grabs too much cloth downfield. Will draw flags at the next level
• Transitions: Cleats can get stuck in the ground when asked to break on the ball

Evaluation:

DeJean is one of the more polarizing prospects in the class given his position. Some teams believe he’s a nickel or safety while others believe he can play true outside corner. Possessing many of the necessary traits to be good at either position, DeJean may not be the island lockdown corner that you envision from a true #1 CB, but his traits and play style lead you to believe he can play all over the defensive backfield.

James Foster’s Latest Big Board Ranking:

42 overall, 5th ranked CB