Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean is one of the top prospects in the NFL Draft and would likely be a first-round lock if he were 100% healthy. Unfortunately, we don’t know how close he is to full strength, as the defensive back suffered a fractured fibula during his final season.
Fortunately, the world will soon have a chance to see exactly what he can do. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Cooper DeJean has informed all teams that he will work out on April 8th, just over two weeks before the 2024 NFL Draft.
Cooper DeJean Medically Cleared, Will Work Out Ahead of NFL Draft
In today’s pass-happy NFL, it’s never been more important to find players capable of getting their hands on the ball and giving the offense extra possessions. Cooper DeJean thrives in this role, as the NFL Draft hopeful has a natural nose for the ball. In 2022, the defensive back recorded five interceptions while breaking up eight passes and demonstrated similar ball skills during his truncated 2023.
Assuming he’s completely healthy, Cooper DeJean shouldn’t have to wait too long to hear his name called in the 2024 NFL Draft. While he probably won’t be the first cornerback off the board, several teams picking in the back half of the first round or early on Day 2 should be interested in securing his services.
Possible Interested Teams
Detroit Lions
Even before the Cameron Sutton release, the Detroit Lions needed a new cornerback. Now that Sutton is off the team, it’s a glaring need on a roster that is otherwise ready to compete for a championship. The Lions have drafted remarkably well during the Dan Campbell Era, and they could see that streak continue if they select Cooper DeJean with their first-round pick in the NFL Draft.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs need a new cornerback after trading L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans. While they also need a wide receiver and a tackle, there’s a decent amount of depth at those positions. The same cannot be said for the cornerback, so Kansas City could select Cooper DeJean in the first round and use their Round 2 and 3 picks on guys like Patrick Paul and Jalen McMillan.
Buffalo Bills
Most analysts expect the Buffalo Bills to use their first-round pick on a wide receiver following the Stefon Diggs trade. While they could use another pass catcher, they still need to replace Tre’Davious White. Cooper DeJean is a natural fit for Buffalo’s defense, and the NFL Draft hopeful should be able to make an immediate impact for a team that
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have to replace multiple departed free agents, but even if they had brought everyone back, they still could have used another cornerback. Brandon Stephens is a solid starter, but Marlon Humphrey isn’t getting any younger. The Ravens love to plan, and they could select Cooper DeJean to have solid starters in the short term and two reliable cost-controlled starters for the long term.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers currently hold the 33rd and 39th overall picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. While they probably want to use one of those picks on a wide receiver, they could use the other on Cooper DeJean. This team is currently in the market for a veteran cornerback, but even if they land someone like Stephon Gilmore, they could use a younger face at the position.
Main Photo: Lily Smith – USA Today Sports
