Clinger: Cooper DeJean, Cornerback, Iowa

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

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.