PISCATAWAY, NJ - SEPTEMBER 24: Defensive back Cooper DeJean #3 of the Iowa Hawkeyes intercepts a pass and returns for a touchdown against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights  during the first quarter of a game at SHI Stadium on September 24, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - SEPTEMBER 24: Defensive back Cooper DeJean #3 of the Iowa Hawkeyes intercepts a pass and returns for a touchdown against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first quarter of a game at SHI Stadium on September 24, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

Clinger: Cooper DeJean, Cornerback, Iowa

Reading Time: 3 minutes

NFL Draft Analyst William Yanish takes a close look at the game film of Iowa’s Cooper DeJean and grades him accordingly.

STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 23: Alex Felkins #91 of the Penn State Nittany Lions kicks an extra point against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 23, 2023 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

In the 2023 NFL Draft, there were 36 cornerbacks (CB) taken throughout the three-day event. That was more than any other position in the entire draft. That just goes to show you just how much of a passing league the NFL has become.

Currently, 30 out of the 32 teams in the NFL are passing the ball more than 50% of the time (teamrankings.com).

Back in the day, if you had a good defensive line, that was just as effective as having good CBs. If a quarterback did not have the time to throw the ball, the defensive backs job was gravy. However, in today’s pro game, pocket passer QBs are a dying breed. QBs are now extremely mobile and they live on extending plays.

The point that I’m getting to is that CBs are becoming a premier and indispensable position in the NFL. I figure that I should at least leave my mark on one or two before the draft rolls around next April.

DeJean

I asked a friend to kick me a name so I could break up the monotony and write up a defensive prospect. The first thing to come out of his mouth was Iowa’s DeJean.

This 2024 NFL Draft prospect is a 6-foot-1, 207-pound weapon for Iowa. He was born and raised a true Hawkeye. DeJean is a small-town success story who is making it big.

DeJean, a junior, will turn 21 just before the draft in February. At Iowa, he has played safety, cornerback, and punt returner.

He excels wherever he lines up on the field.

In 2022, DeJean had five interceptions on the year. He rewrote the record books returning three for touchdowns.

The Yanish Report

Rangy, athletic, football build. Calculated footwork and body control. Loose hips and body mechanics. Abstemious-like control. Quick-twitch athlete. Extremely versatile. Lines up outside, in the slot, safety, and in-the-box in place of a linebacker (LB). Stout run defender. Rarely lets the opposition run past him. Plays with excellent physicality. Sticky in man coverage. Always around the ball. Despite his less-than-ideal size, he will go toe-to-toe with anyone. His size makes him a tweener position-wise. Lightning-fast closing speed. His football speed propels him all over the field to wreak havoc. Struggles to get off blocks at times. Tenacious, suffocating adversary. Astounding football IQ. Otherworldly instincts rarely fail him. Leadership and command complete the package. Hawkish. Proficient. Student of the game.

For the win

Coaches who love versatile defenders will not be disappointed. If he slides to a playoff caliber team, that will be great to be a chess piece on a good team.

DeJean provides extra value as a dangerous punt returner. Whether he is playing defense or special teams, every time he touches the ball, he is a threat to score.

Some General Managers in the league will likely see him as a safety, but I am seeing him as a No. 2 corner in the NFL.

You guys should already know about how I love the tough, physical players that Iowa is known for producing.

DeJean is not any different.

My BIG three questions

1. Will he be drafted as a defensive weapon, or will he be drafted to play just one position?

2. Can he clean up his block-shedding technique?

3. Will he live up to the hype at the next level?

How DeJean stacks up and game film reviewed

My 2024 NFL Draft Value: First Round (late)

2022 Game Film Evidence (No. 3)

Iowa State

Michigan

Ohio State

2023 (No. 3)

Iowa State

Penn State

William Yanish III is a lifelong football fan. He’s from the little town of Crawford, Colorado. Along the way, he’s lived in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and Brookings, Oregon. Quarterback Joe Montana was his idol growing up. A little bit of CTE from life’s adventures killed his dreams as a football player. Now, he is an aspiring writer and Draft Analyst at FirstRoundMock.com. He’s a fanatic with a dream, which is coming true.

Featured Articles

Cam Ward 2025 NFL Draft QB1

Reading Time: 3 minutesWatch Miami QB Cam Ward in 13 games from the 2024 season embedded into this article.

Read More...

Shedeur Sanders Undraftable Free Agent Value in 2025 NFL Draft

Reading Time: 3 minutesWatch 13 games of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders during the 2024 season embedded into this article.

Read More...

Rajvir Bal Compares Jaxson Dart to Brett Favre

Reading Time: 4 minutesWatch six games of Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart during the 2024 season embedded into this article.

Read More...

Ashton Jeanty Draws Hall of Fame Grade in 2025 NFL Draft

Reading Time: 3 minutesWatch Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty in 13 games during the 2024 season embedded into this article.

Read More...

Jalen Milroe: More Than Just a Football Player

Reading Time: 3 minutesFirst Round Mock's Victoria Jonach looks into Jalen Milroe's recent "LANK" episode.

Read More...

Abdul Carter Best Defensive Player in 2025 NFL Draft

Reading Time: 3 minutesWatch 15 games of Penn State EDGE rusher Abdul Carter from the 2024 season embedded into this article.

Read More...

Rajvir Bal Puts First Round Grade on QB Kyle McCord

Reading Time: 4 minutesWatch four games of Syracuse QB Kyle McCord during the 2024 season embedded into this article.

Read More...

Former NFL Scout Loves Wide Receiver Travis Hunter

Reading Time: 3 minutesWatch 13 games of wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter at Colorado in 2024 embedded into this article.

Read More...

How NIL is Allowing Quinn Ewers to Give Back to His Mom

Reading Time: 2 minutesFirst Round Mock's Victoria Jonach explores Quinn Ewers' recent claim about NIL.

Read More...

Tyler Warren is Travis Kelce 2.0

Reading Time: 3 minutesWatch 14 games of Penn State tight end Tyler Warren from the 2024 season embedded into this article.

Read More...