The Cooper-DeJean-to-Green-Bay hype train keeps rolling on.
Post-NFL Scouting Combine mock drafts from both Jordan Reid of ESPN and Dane Brugler of The Athletic have the Green Bay Packers taking Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean in the first round of the 2024 draft.
Both Reid and Brugler see DeJean — the most common mock draft pick for the Packers — as capable of filling roster holes for general manager Brian Gutekunst at cornerback or safety.
Here’s Reid’s reasoning: “Nickel corner and safety are glaring holes on this roster, but the Packers can plug both with one prospect. DeJean is my top-ranked safety but plays all over the defense. His instincts and fluidity lead him to takeaways (seven interceptions over the past two seasons, including three pick-sixes). That’s huge for the Packers, who only had seven INTs in 2023, 31st in the NFL. Even if they re-sign Keisean Nixon, DeJean is capable of filling in at nickel or safety — and returning some kicks. DeJean is recovering from a broken leg, but he said he will be able to work out for teams before the draft.”
Here’s Brugler’s reasoning: “Matching the Packers and DeJean is very unoriginal, I know, but I’m mocking what makes sense more than going for hot takes. The ‘is DeJean a safety or a corner’ discord is overplayed, because he can legitimately play both spots. He is the best run-defending defensive back in the class, too, and has the athleticism to cover in space.”
The Packers may need at least one new starter at both cornerback and safety for Jeff Hafley’s new defense in 2024. Keisean Nixon, Darnell Savage, Rudy Ford and Jonathan Owens are all free agents as the new league year looms.
The guess here is Packers fans will continue to see DeJean in most mock drafts because of the fit, the team’s needs, the expected athleticism and the school. It all mashes together to make an ideal prospect for Green Bay. Maybe free agency and the addition of a veteran or two in the secondary will change the narrative in March.
DeJean, who intercepted seven passes over the last two seasons at Iowa, has played on the perimeter at cornerback, in the slot and in the box as a safety type. His movement ability, ball skills and physicality suggest he could play safety.
In Reid’s two-round draft, the Packers also got Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and Texas running back Jonathan Brooks in the second round. Reid likes the fit with Cooper and Quay Walker at linebacker, and he believes Brooks is the top running back in the class.
