The Philadelphia Eagles selected Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean with the No. 40 pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
DeJean came to Iowa after a highly decorated football, basketball, track and baseball career. A prep quarterback, DeJean went to Iowa as a defensive back in 2021 and got onto the field immediately for the Hawkeyes.
DeJean owns arguably the best ball skills of any defender in the class and is a total difference-maker in the return game. He moved around and played different roles in Iowa’s secondary as a two-year starter, showing safety and corner skills.
DeJean, who ran a 4.44 40-yard dash at his pro day, missed four games last season with a leg injury and has some issues in press coverage against overly explosive receivers, but his versatility in coverage and playmaking skills make him a unique prospect.
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‘The Beast’ breakdown
DeJean ranked No. 27 in Dane Brugler’s Top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide:
“DeJean is one of the best tackling defensive backs in the class and shows playmaking skills in coverage, because of his athletic instincts and competitive makeup. Along with an immediate special teams role (as a returner and gunner), his NFL starter-quality skill set fits interchangeably at cornerback, safety or nickel.”
Coaching intel
What an anonymous coach had to say about DeJean in Bruce Feldman’s mock draft:
“He was a dominant college defender. Very physical. Great fit for Iowa’s system. Explosive athlete, but we thought he was a little tight and stiff. That probably will get exposed a little at the next level, but I think he’s a hell of a player.”
Why he’s a second-round pick
DeJean’s first step is a bit troublesome and occasionally causes him issues in press coverage. However, his IQ in coverage and ability to move around and have an impact is top-notch. Additionally, his kick return skills are Pro Bowl-level.
Wrote about Cooper DeJean this week.
And got an excuse to shout out the OABCIG (yes, that’s a high school) Falcons. Such a fun player.
New on @TheAthletic https://t.co/AWPeVzaOU0 pic.twitter.com/uU55h2HN7r
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) April 12, 2024
Come back for more analysis of DeJean later.
(Photo: Jeffrey Becker / USA Today)
