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By Charlie Campbell
Career Recap: Riley Moss recently made some recent history via the 2023 NFL Draft, becoming the first white cornerback to break into the NFL since Jason Seahorn played the position about 20 years ago. The Iowa Hawkeyes look poised to shake up the trend two years in a row, as Cooper DeJean, another white Hawkeye corner, should be a sought-after 2024 NFL Draft prospect after his huge 2022 campaign. DeJean turned in monster season with 75 tackles, five interceptions, 13 passes broken up and three touchdowns.
2023 Season Outlook: Iowa does not have a difficult schedule in 2023. The best talent who DeJean may face all season could against Penn State on Sept. 23. The Nittany Lions have dangerous weapons at wide receiver and in the backfield.
Skill-Set Summary: DeJean was a standout cornerback at Iowa in 2022, but he might fit best as a safety and nickel corner in the NFL.
The first thing that jumps about DeJean are his instincts. He seems to be playing a step ahead of the offense thanks to his lightning-quick diagnosis skills, which he uses to get in position to make plays. Utilizing excellent feel, anticipation, and route recognition, DeJean is able to run with receivers and prevent separation. DeJean tracks the ball well and does a fantastic job of playing it in the air. Throwing at DeJean is dangerous because he is a real threat to pick the pass off or tip it away from the receiver. DeJean could be a nice weapon for covering slot wide receivers and tight ends in the NFL.
In the ground game, DeJean is a gritty defender who is a willing tackler. He flows to the ball and won’t hesitate to come downhill on a back. His tackling and run defense definitely could make him a fit for safety in the NFL as well.
“He’s super instinctive, is all over the field, and makes a ton of plays on the ball. He’s an impressive player,” said an AFC director of player personnel of DeJean. “They say that he is a workout warrior also and will run in the 4.3s. From watching his tape over the summer, to me, he looked like he lacked a little juice to be an outside corner in the NFL. I think he would be best as a slot corner and safety. In a system like the Bills, he could play outside, but for most teams, I think he would be at his best as a safety that can move to nickel in sub.”
DeJean has versatile size that will allow him to play safety or cornerback in the NFL. However, his best fit would likely not be playing outside corner. DeJean vould do the most damage as a safety and slot corner who can cause havoc in the middle of the field. He looks like a future NFL starter with playmaking potential.
2024 NFL Draft Expectations: DeJean looks like he could be a first- or second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft entering the 2023 season.
RELATED LINKS:
2024 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2024 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2024 NFL Draft Player Previews
Fantasy Football Rankings - Aug. 9
2024 NFL Mock Draft - July 25
NFL Power Rankings - June 2
NFL Picks - Feb. 14
