Mel Kiper identifies where Cooper DeJean fits best in NFL

NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper has been very high on Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean so far in the process leading up to the big day on April 25. Kiper has consistently placed DeJean in his list of top 20 prospects, which is, in part, due to his ability to play in multiple positions in the secondary.

“He can play in any defense structure, which is what I like about him at corner,” Kiper said this week. “I think he can move inside. He’s over 6-foot, 205 pounds, he is a guy who’s very athletic, very tough, good tackler, punt return ability.

“Cooper would have been a top-15 guy if he finished the process healthy, finished the year healthy. I think the dual versatility helps him. Not being able to work out, obviously, that’s something that people would like to see.”

DeJean is one of the top defensive back prospects ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft despite suffering a season-ending injury last year. He fractured his fibula during a practice ahead of Week 13. Recovery from the injury kept him from participating at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, but he’ll have another shot to impress at his own Pro Day in Iowa City on April 8.

DeJean to complete private workout before draft day

“I’ve been rehabbing ever since,” DeJean said last month regarding his fractured fibula which required surgery. “[I] just started running full speed last week. I plan on working out at some point before the draft. … I am [medically] cleared. I’m just progressing right now.”

“I’ll work out sometime before the draft … sometime definitely before the draft — early April,” DeJean added. “I just started running full speed last week, so I haven’t been able to train like I want to.”

DeJean was a unanimous consensus All-American in 2023 despite his season-ending injury. He recorded 41 tackles, five passes defensed, and two interceptions in his 10 game appearances. He also had 21 punt returns for 241 yards and one touchdown.

The defensive back burst onto the scene in 2022 in his first year as a starter with 75 tackles, eight pass breakups, and five interceptions. He returned three interceptions for touchdowns and returned 10 punts for 165 yards.

“Being able to play multiple different positions, I think that’s an advantage coming into this league, to be able to play wherever they put me,” DeJean said of his versaility. “It doesn’t matter to me, to be honest. I just want to play ball.”

Leading up to the draft, Kiper has only two other cornerbacks ahead of the Hawkeyes star – Quinyon Mitchell of Toledo and Terrion Arnold of Alabama.