Pro Football Focus names historic franchise as Cooper DeJean’s ‘perfect NFL fit’
Now that Iowa Hawkeyes star cornerback and punt returner extraordinaire Cooper DeJean has declared for the 2024 NFL draft, it’s time to turn our attention to his potential landing spots.
After a marvelous career in Iowa City, Pro Football Focus has named DeJean’s “perfect fit” in the NFL as the Green Bay Packers.
The Packers have secondary needs, both at safety and cornerback. Thankfully, there is a player in this class who could fill either need. DeJean, listed at 6-foot-1 and 207 pounds, has played outside corner for the Hawkeyes over the last two seasons, doing so very well. I would certainly start him there in the NFL. He’s recorded seven interceptions and 13 forced incompletions over the past two seasons and is one of the best secondary playmakers in the class. – Trevor Sikkema, PFF
The Packers make all the sense in the world. First off, they took Lukas Van Ness in the first round last year, proving that they like Iowa Hawkeyes. Secondly, DeJean would become an instant plug-and-play guy alongside Jaire Alexander, one of the league’s top cornerbacks.
In three seasons with the Hawkeyes, DeJean tallied 120 tackles, 13 pass breakups, seven interceptions, and three interceptions returned for touchdowns. As a punt returner, he had 31 returns for 406 yards (13.09 yards per return) and a touchdown.
DeJean brings talent and experience with him alongside his versatility to be a punt returner and a gunner on punt coverage. His ability to play multiple positions only skyrockets him up draft boards.
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