The Green Bay Packers are set to make a bold move in the 2024 NFL Draft, as they plan to select Iowa Hawkeyes cornerback Cooper DeJean in the first round. This exciting news comes from a recent mock draft by NFL.com writer Eric Edholm. The Packers have identified their secondary as an area in need of improvement, and DeJean’s versatility as a defensive back makes him a perfect fit for their team.
DeJean, who decided to forgo his senior year at Iowa, is a junior who is ready to take the leap to the NFL. Standing at an impressive 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weighing 207 pounds, DeJean possesses the physical attributes that make him slightly bigger than the average NFL defensive back. His size, combined with his skills, will surely make him a force to be reckoned with on the field.
During his sophomore season, DeJean made a name for himself with an outstanding performance. He recorded an impressive 5 interceptions, one of which was a 14-yard pick-six in Iowa’s 21-0 victory over Kentucky in the 2022 Music City Bowl. This breakout season showcased DeJean’s talent and potential, putting him on the radar of NFL scouts and analysts.
DeJean’s junior season was marked by further improvement and growth. He played nearly 400 defensive snaps without giving up a single touchdown, demonstrating his ability to shut down opposing offenses. Additionally, DeJean excelled as a special teams player, leading the Big Ten Conference in punt return average. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a leg injury in November, but his impact on the field was undeniable.
If the Packers decide to draft DeJean, he will join a long list of Hawkeyes who have been selected by the team over the years. In fact, he would be the 23rd Hawkeye to be drafted by the Packers since the inception of the NFL Draft in 1936. This would also mark the second consecutive year that the Packers choose a Hawkeye in the first round, following the selection of defensive end Lukas Van Ness in 2023. DeJean would be the first Hawkeyes defensive back to join the Packers since Josh Jackson in 2018.
Overall, the potential addition of Cooper DeJean to the Green Bay Packers’ roster brings excitement and anticipation. With his impressive skills, versatility, and proven track record, DeJean has the potential to make a significant impact on the team’s defense and special teams. The Packers are surely eager to see what this talented young player can bring to their organization.
GETTY: Lukas Van Ness recorded 4 sacks and 24 tackles in his first season as a Packer.
Drafting former Hawkeyes has been a successful strategy for the Packers in the past. In 2012, the Packers chose defensive tackle Mike Daniels from the Hawkeyes. Daniels had an impressive career, playing seven seasons for the green and gold. He even earned a spot in the Pro Bowl in the 2017 season. Another notable player drafted from the Hawkeyes is Aaron Kampman, a defensive end selected in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL Draft. Kampman played for the Packers for eight seasons and made it to the Pro Bowl in 2006 and 2007. He also ranked second in the NFL with 15.5 sacks in 2006.
Packers fans may also recall cornerback Bob Jeter, who was drafted in the second round of the 1960 NFL Draft. Jeter was a key contributor to the Packers’ three consecutive NFL championships from 1965 to 1967. Alongside Hall of Fame cornerback Herb Adderley, the Packers had the lowest passing yards allowed in the NFL every year from 1964 to 1968.
Looking ahead to 2024, the Packers have a promising draft with 11 picks spread across seven rounds. They will also have multiple picks in some rounds, giving them ample opportunities to strengthen their roster. The Packers already had the youngest roster in the NFL in 2023, and with the addition of numerous draft picks this year, the team is expected to become even younger. Regardless of who the Packers choose in the first round, fans will be anxiously hoping for the right decision.