Iowa’s Cooper DeJean has tremendous size for a defensive back at 6’1”, 207 pounds. You combine that with some eye-popping statistics at his pro day, and there is a big reason why DeJean is an intriguing prospect
That is the kind of athleticism that will get the scouts’ attention. He is currently projected to hear his name at the end of the first round or maybe early in the second round in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Let’s dive into DeJean’s journey with the former Iowa defensive back entering the NFL.
Where Did Cooper DeJean’s Football Career Start?
DeJean played his high school football at OABCIG High School in Ida Grove, Iowa.
He played quarterback and defense, and he owns a ton of school records. During his senior season alone, DeJean threw for 3,447 yards and 35 passing touchdowns, while also rushing for 1,235 yards and 24 rushing touchdowns.
DeJean was also a fantastic basketball player and track star.
Despite impressive numbers on the football field and being a fantastic athlete, DeJean wasn’t a highly sought-after recruit. He decided to go to Iowa to play defense rather than play quarterback at South Dakota State.
Revisiting DeJean’s College Career
DeJean didn’t see the field his freshman year, and his sophomore year he was more of a special teams player. He did get the start at strong safety in the season finale against Nebraska, and he finished with four tackles while also returning a kickoff 20 yards.
That laid the foundation for what DeJean was going to do over the next two years at Iowa. The 2022 season is when he introduced himself to the college football world.
MORE: Top CBs in the 2024 NFL Draft
DeJean had 75 tackles and five interceptions. He returned three of those interceptions for touchdowns, showing his game-breaking speed and the ability to make a big play. He also returned 10 punts for 165 yards.
In his senior season, teams avoided throwing the ball at DeJean. He finished with 41 tackles and two interceptions. Last season, he returned 21 punts for 241 yards and one touchdown.
DeJean also had arguably the most controversial call go against him last year, as he returned a punt for a potential game-winning touchdown against Minnesota. However, the officials said he signaled for a fair catch, and Iowa ended up losing the game.
Reggie Smith breaks down the ruling that called back an Iowa punt return touchdown. pic.twitter.com/eknp29L3Ok
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) October 21, 2023
DeJean’s Potential in the NFL
Dejean has great size and speed for a defensive back. During his pro day at Iowa, he ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash, while also possessing a 38.5” vertical jump and a 10’4” broad jump. All three of those numbers are extremely impressive and gave him the highest RAS for any defensive back in the 2024 class.
MORE: Ian Cummings’ Full Scouting Report of Cooper DeJean
One issue for scouts right now is figuring out what position DeJean will play in the NFL. Will he be a cornerback, or will they move him to safety?
PFN’s Ian Cummings, in his scouting report, has DeJean as an immediate starter who can play in many different types of defenses.
“DeJean projects especially well as a field safety with slot and boundary versatility. As a safety, DeJean would be able to play with his eyes to the ball most often. He manages and plays in space with proficiency, has universal alignment versatility in zone and off-man coverage, and is a playmaking force at multiple levels.
There’s an outcome where DeJean splits time between the boundary, the slot, and field safety at the NFL level. Ultimately, he’s an extremely role-versatile player based on the game script. And in a role that plays to his strengths on a situational basis, he has impact starter potential.”
Highlights, Records, and More
DeJean won the Tatum-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Back Player of the Year award, as well as the Rodgers-Dwight Big Ten Returner of the Year award.
He was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy. He also made Third-Team All-Big Ten in the end of season CFN awards.
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