Cooper DeJean asked whether being white limits chance to play cornerback in NFL

Being a white corner in the National Football League is rarified territory. There have only been a few in the league’s history: Jason Sehorn and Troy Apke are the only two that come to mind. Former Iowa star Cooper DeJean was dynamic enough to be one of the more explosive athletes in college football the past few seasons. As a white corner, he’s well aware that he’s a rare breed, but it’s the last thing on his mind as he takes the field. Recently after being drafted, the dynamic defender discussed whether or not being white limits his chances of playing corner in the NFL.

“I mean, if they put me out there, I’ll be excited to play out there,” DeJean noted.

According to Spotrac, the former Iowa star will sign a four-year rookie deal worth approximately $9.157 million. As a second-round draft pick, DeJean’s rookie deal won’t come with a fifth-year option for the Eagles, which means unless they extend or re-sign him, he’ll become a free agent after the 2027 season.

Eagles trade up for Cooper DeJean

The Philadelphia Eagles selected DeJean with the No. 40 overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles traded the No. 50, 53 and 161 picks to the Washington Commanders in exchange for picks No. 40 and 78.

DeJean played high school football at Battle Creek-Ida Grove in Ida Grove (IA) where he was a four-star prospect, ranked the No. 304 overall recruit in the 2021 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

He was the epitome of an impact player for the Hawkeyes after deciding to stay in his home state for his college career. He earned the team’s special teams player of the year award as a freshman after playing in seven games and making one start at strong safety before his breakout season in 2022.

In 2022 DeJean earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors after racking up 75 tackles, eight pass breakups, and five interceptions. Returning three of those interceptions to the house for touchdowns along with returning 10 punts for 165 yards.

Last season he suffered a season-ending injury after fracturing his fibula during a practice ahead of Week 13, but still managed to achieve unanimous consensus All-American honors and a First-Team All-Big Ten again this time as a returner and a defender. Recording 41 tackles, five pass breakups, and intercepting two passes in his 10 game appearances along with 21 punt returns for 241 yards and one touchdown.

DeJean’s medical history was a big talking point ahead of the draft following his gruesome injury. But his versatility on the defensive side of the ball and ability in special teams could make hame an immediate impact player in the league.

On3’s Kaiden Smith and Nikki Chavanelle also contributed to this report.