We are excited about our draft coverage here at FFSN this year, as we are adding something new to the fold. Between now and the NFL Draft, I will be writing individual player profiles on many of this year’s top prospects. Today, we continue the series with Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean.

Each of these breakdowns will include a brief background on the player, an in-depth scouting report, and a projection as to where he is likely to be selected in the NFL Draft. All of these articles can be found on our main FFSN NFL feed. Be sure to share these breakdowns with your fellow draft buddies on social media!

Also, be sure to check out this wonderful film-room breakdown on DeJean by FFSN’s own K.T. Smith below!

Bio and Profile

Height: 6’0 1/2″
Weight: 203 lbs

DeJean is quite the athlete on many levels, as he was also a state-champion track star in high school while also lettering in basketball, football, and baseball. He played both quarterback and defensive back in high school, and his impact as a quarterback was actually more prevalent than his defensive efforts, as he set the single-season school records for both passing yards (3,447) and passing touchdowns (35) during his senior campaign. He ended his time at Iowa with 7 interceptions, all of which came in his sophomore and junior seasons. The 2023 Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year heads into the draft with positive momentum, following a strong pro day workout and impressive interviews.

Scouting Report

The team that drafts DeJean must have a clear plan in place as to where and how they will utilize him, but the upside is tremendous. From a traits and play style perspective, I see a little bit of Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain in him; but as counterintuitive as it may sound, I, in many ways, see him as a better long-term fit at safety. He played almost exclusively zone and soft man coverage, but with his size and athleticism, there may be untapped upside in press looks if he remains at corner.

Ideally, a zone-heavy scheme is the best fit for him, as he thrives off instincts and anticipation. He is rather tight in the hips, and when his back is to the ball, he struggles to turn around and locate where the football is, relative to both him and the opposing receiver. While he has played more at strong safety than free safety, I believe he has the range, instincts, and discipline needed to be an elite free safety. Teams will also covet his ability to play special teams. Considering he is both an elite athlete and one of the most versatile defenders in the class, he will draw interest in the middle portion of Round 1. While I prefer him as a safety that can wear many hats (i.e. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Justin Simmons), he most definitely has the traits that can translate to any spot in the secondary.

Draft Projection

DeJean’s range is anywhere from Pick 15 to the end of Round 1, as it will all depend on whether teams view him as a cornerback or safety. When looking for ideal landing spots, I have my eyes on the Eagles at 22 and Packers at 25. Those seem to be the most reasonable landing spots, but it is possible a team like the Jaguars or Rams would have interest, as both teams could benefit from bolstered depth in the secondary. I think he is safely a first-round pick, but there is no guarantee he will go as early as many project.