The Iowa Hawkeyes‘ defense was stingy in their season-opening win against Utah State and the secondary was a big part of that. The group is one of Iowa’s most talented units and it is led by Cooper DeJean, a name becoming more and more known among other college fans, NFL fans, and national media.
In the win over the Utah State Aggies, DeJean quietly had seven tackles and handled his business. In some ways, that is a stellar performance from a cornerback. He wasn’t missing tackles or giving up big chunk plays. DeJean did have one tipped pass that he would like back as he likely intercepts it more often than not, but beggars can’t be choosers.
The start of his 2023 campaign is right in line with what is expected as DeJean approaches next year’s NFL draft, something he would be hard-pressed to decline to declare for. Should he declare, as most expect, he can continue to cement his first round draft status as he currently holds in CBS Sports’ recent mock draft.
CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson projects DeJean as the No. 23 overall selection by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Last spring, Iowa CB Riley Moss went in the third round to the Broncos; DeJean is a better athlete and a good season could solidify his draft stock. – Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports
Cooper DeJean is going to be joining a strong lineage of Iowa defensive backs to make the move to the NFL. Riley Moss was the most recent and before him was Dane Belton. If you continue looking, the tradition grows even stronger with Desmond King, Kaevon Merriweather, and Micah Hyde to just name a few.
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