The Green Bay Packers got Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean at No. 25 overall in Daniel Jeremiah’s pre-combine mock draft at NFL.com.
DeJean, a versatile defensive back with experience at cornerback and safety, has been most of the most common players mocked to the Packers early in the draft process. Jeremiah believes in the fit, and he thinks DeJean will do nothing to hurt his first-round draft stock at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
From Jeremiah: “DeJean just feels like a Packers player. He could play any position in the secondary. The speed and athleticism are legit, as we will see at the NFL Scouting Combine.”
The combine will kick off in Indianapolis on Monday, Feb. 26 and run for a week. The event features interviews, health screens and athletic testing.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com believes DeJean will be a “big athletic tester” at the combine. The Packers generally favor young and elite athletes in the first round.
DeJean, a first-team All-American in 2023, intercepted seven passes, broke up 20 others and returned three interceptions for touchdowns over three seasons at Iowa. He also returned a punt for a touchdown, highlighting his potential for special teams value at the next level.
The Packers have a glaring need in the defensive secondary, and Keisean Nixon’s voided contract could open up a need at returner, too. It’s possible DeJean could immediately solve a problem at cornerback or safety and be an impact returner.
Jeremiah’s first mock draft had the Packers taking Duke interior offensive lineman Graham Barton at No. 25.