Everyone discusses the adjustment period that players go through transitioning from the college football game to the speed and intensity level that is that of the NFL game.
What they don’t often discuss is the adjustment in lifestyles. That could be what Iowa Hawkeyes cornerback, returner, and defensive star Cooper DeJean could be seeing if CBS Sports’ 2024 NFL mock draft has anything to say about it.
Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports has DeJean firmly in the first round with the Los Angeles Rams selecting him at No. 20. This move takes DeJean, a rural Iowa kid, and transplants him to Los Angeles, one of the biggest, most star-studded cities in America.
Sean McVay hasn’t had a first-round pick since arriving in Los Angeles, but no team had a better draft then the Rams last spring: Steve Avila, Kobie Turner, Byron Young, Puka Nacua — the organization could legitimately have both the offensive and defensive rookies of the year, one a fifth-rounder, the other a third-rounder. I mention all that to say: expect whomever the Rams use a first-round pick on to be a future first-ballot Hall of Famer. (That’s a lot of pressure on, in this case, Cooper DeJean, who is one of the best corners in this class and has return ability. Some teams even think he’ll be able to play all over the secondary at the next level.) – Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports
Wilson absolutely hits the nail on the head with DeJean’s versatility. And not just defensively, either. DeJean has the talent and instincts to play anywhere in the secondary but what can’t be ignored is his ability to plug a gap as a punt return and gunner on punt coverage.
DeJean would be joining a secondary that could use some help. The Rams are very middle-of-the-pack in the NFL allowing 262 passing yards per game, 24 passing touchdowns on the year, and reeled in just 10 interceptions in 17 games.
On rosters that can only carry 53 players on game days, being able to play three spots earns you serious interest from coaching staff across the NFL. DeJean did just that for Iowa. He was often downing Tory Taylor’s punts deep inside opponents’ territory and has shown electrifying ability with the ball in his hand, be it a punt return or once he reels in an interception.
Cooper DeJean is destined for the first round and a move like this to Los Angeles sets the stage for him to also be destined for NFL stardom.
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