Cooper DeJean — NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

The Cardinals can take the best player available with their second pick in Round 1. DeJean has the versatility to play any position in the secondary.

The Dolphins entertained us all season but, ultimately, won nothing. The AFC East crown was surrendered to the Bills, which led to an infeasible challenge in the arctic conditions of Arrowhead. An early end to a season that promised so much and still no playoff win since 2000. Miami can blame the weather, and an incredible amount of injuries, but this is a finesse team too soft to beat good teams in big games.

Tua was poor down the stretch, but did lead the league in passing yards. There will be discussions about a new contract this offseason, but Tua hasn't yet earned top dollar. Miami are going to be approximately $40m over the cap, so new contracts will have to be carefully structured, and veterans will be cut. Terron Armstead may retire which, even though he's often injured, would leave a massive hole at left tackle.

I'm struggling to see how Xavien Howard can be retained. Howard inevitably missed the Wild-Card game with another injury and will be 31 when next season starts. Howard's play has regressed and the secondary needs to be younger (and cheaper.) Cooper DeJean would be a perfect prospect for Fangio's defense. DeJean is an elite athlete with the versatility to play in multiple roles.

Marlon Humphrey has struggled to stay healthy and the team lacks a long-term option on the other side. Former special teams coach John Harbaugh will probably appreciate that Cooper DeJean offers return ability in addition to his role on the defense.

DeJean is a big play waiting to happen in the secondary.

The Cowboys land a versatile defensive back in Cooper DeJean, who can play cornerback or safety, to further strengthen their secondary.

One of the top athletes in the draft, DeJean has experience as an outside corner, inside corner and a box/middle-field defender. I'll be sending a petition for the NFL to add a dunk contest at the combine so we can see DeJean go to work. And we already know he performs well wearing black and gold.

One of the premier zone corners in the class, Cooper DeJean has the size, twitch, and physicality the Colts should love. As good as his trigger is in coverage when aligned seven yards off, DeJean's willingness to blow through someone's face mask against the run showcases a prospect who isn't afraid to stick his face in the mud. He's an impact player on all three downs.

Iowa cornerbacks are always going to be pro-ready, and that's just what Cooper DeJean presents for the Minnesota Vikings. A late-season injury forced him out of the Big Ten Championship, but DeJean should be ready to go by minicamp.

He's a speedster on the outside with plenty of length and burst. DeJean comes fully equipped with elite ball skills and a special teams ability that rivals everyone in this class.

Patrick Peterson will be 34 in 2024 and could potentially be a cap casualty after this season. DeJean can play outside or inside at cornerback, and even safety due to his size (6-1, 207) and speed combo. He's also one of this draft's premier playmakers.

The Green Bay Packers had all sorts of issues in their secondary this year, including an odd Jaire Alexander suspension. Green Bay needs to add more athleticism in that unit, and Cooper DeJean is one of the top defensive backs in the class. He can play multiple spots, including slot corner and safety.

This would be a fantastic fit for Green Bay should he fall to No. 19.

A lot of the discussion around DeJean throughout this pre-draft process will be around him playing corner or safety at the next level. The argument for him in Green Bay is easy: They get a ballhawk and sturdy tackler for the backend of their defense.

The Colts have their choice of defensive backs here at No. 15. Kool-Aid McKinstry has a blue chip pedigree and name. Nate Wiggins is a long, lean ballhawk with the closing speed to make himself a star at the next level.

Instead, let's allow general manager Chris Ballard to pick based on production and roll with the versatile DeJean. The 6-foot-1 safety/corner/punt returner was the engine behind some incredible Iowa defenses and he's flexible enough to hold down multiple positions. He also housed four pick-sixes over the last two seasons, an invaluable skill given the abject horror on the other side of the ball for the Hawkeyes. His draft position may hinge on how he performs in Indianapolis, but he's got the raw ability to put on a show at the Combine.

Philadelphia hasn't drafted a defensive back in the first round since Lito Sheppard in 2002, but considering how poorly the secondary has played, it might be time to break the 21-year streak. From Week 13 on, the Eagles were 27th in the league in opponent yards per attempt (7.8). Plus, starting safety Sydney Brown suffered a knee injury in Week 18, thinning the team's depth chart. DeJean is dealing with a leg injury of his own, but he can play corner or safety -- I have him as the top safety in the class -- and he had seven interceptions over the past two seasons. He has great speed and plays with physicality.

The Jaguars fired their entire defensive coaching staff after a horrendous season. The talent is there; is the scheme? DeJean would join Tyson Campbell and Darious Williams in a formidable cornerback room.