The wait is over. Cooper DeJean is an NFL player. The Iowa Hawkeyes’ star defensive back was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 40th pick in this year’s NFL draft.
Fly, Coop Fly. 🦅@cdejean23 ➡️ @Eagles#NFLHawks x #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/yrxmPTyWfe
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) April 26, 2024
DeJean, one of the best defensive backs to come through the University of Iowa, ascended to stardom the last two seasons with the Hawkeyes. He ultimately turned that stardom and exhilarating play into his dream, becoming an NFL player.
An instant boost to the secondary, DeJean brings versatility, athleticism and a very high football IQ with him from Day 1. All of that was on display at Iowa: He was the best player on the field most of the time.
The Eagles are known for athletic, ball-hawking cornerbacks. DeJean gives them that and then some. With an aging secondary that needs help, the Hawkeye gives them an instant boost.
During his collegiate career, Cooper DeJean totaled 120 tackles, 20 pass breakups and 7 interceptions. He took three of those interceptions back for touchdowns. His game also brings excellent special teams experience. DeJean has All-Pro potential as a punt returner. At Iowa, he averaged 13.1 yards per return with one touchdown.
DeJean was also Iowa’s go-to man on punt coverage when looking to down punts deep in enemy territory. His high football IQ allowed him to constantly be in position to down punts without himself or the ball trickling into the endzone.
DeJean is the next NFL player in a long line. The Iowa Hawkeyes’ NFL pipeline is alive and well, and DeJean looks to be the next star.
Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions.
Follow Riley on X:Â @rileydonald7