Philadelphia Eagles select Cooper DeJean in second round of 2024 NFL Draft

Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean‘s NFL dreams have now come true, selected 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. Earning the team’s special teams player of the year award as a freshman after playing in in seven games and making one start at strong safety before he 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.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Cooper DeJean

DeJean is a fascinating NFL prospect, displaying versatility and big play ability at the college level that NFL analyst Lance Zierlein believes can translate to the next level.

“Highly competitive defensive back with plus ball skills and noteworthy special teams value. DeJean is big and bundled for a cornerback, with muscular arms and tight hips,” Zierlein said. “He has fantastic interception production, but his movements are more linear than fluid, and he doesn’t have the easy change of direction needed in man coverage on the next level. His best football is played with his eyes forward, using his instincts to challenge quarterbacks and his big downhill burst to smack whatever needs smacking.”

“He would seem to be a no-brainer as a punt returner and gunner in Year 1. DeJean should be a big athletic tester, which will help get the hype train going, but finding the proper schematic fit will be important in unlocking his best football as a zone corner or interchangeable safety.”