Cooper DeJean: Iowa Star's NFL Draft Profile, Scouting Report, & Highlights

Sep 05, 2025

Cooper DeJean: The Making of an NFL Prospect

Cooper DeJean, a name now synonymous with defensive excellence and athletic versatility, has captivated the football world. From his standout performances at the University of Iowa to his rising status as a top NFL prospect, DeJean's journey is a testament to hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent. This article delves into the details of DeJean's career, providing an in-depth scouting report, statistical analysis, and draft projections to paint a comprehensive picture of this highly sought-after player.

Early Life and High School Career

Before becoming a household name in college football, Cooper DeJean honed his skills at OABCIG High School in Odebolt, Iowa. A multi-sport athlete, DeJean excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. His versatility and athleticism were evident early on, making him a highly sought-after recruit.

Football: DeJean starred as a quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and defensive back, showcasing his all-around abilities. He led his team to a state championship appearance, earning numerous individual accolades.
Basketball: DeJean was a dominant force on the basketball court, leading his team in scoring and rebounding. His athleticism translated seamlessly to the hardwood, where he displayed exceptional agility and court awareness.
Track and Field: DeJean's speed and explosiveness were on full display in track and field, where he excelled in sprinting and jumping events.

DeJean's high school accomplishments earned him significant attention from college recruiters. Despite offers from several prominent programs, he ultimately chose to stay in-state and commit to the University of Iowa.

Cooper DeJean's Iowa Career: A Defensive Revelation

DeJean's arrival in Iowa City marked the beginning of a remarkable collegiate career. He quickly established himself as a key contributor to the Hawkeyes' defense, showcasing his versatility and playmaking ability.

Freshman Season (2021)

As a true freshman, DeJean saw limited playing time but made an immediate impact on special teams. His speed and agility were evident, hinting at the potential that lay ahead. He appeared in all 14 games and contributed primarily on special teams.

Sophomore Season (2022): Breakout Year

DeJean's sophomore season was his breakout year, establishing him as a star on the Iowa defense. He transitioned into a starting role at cornerback and quickly became a ball-hawking presence in the secondary.

Interceptions: DeJean recorded five interceptions, showcasing his exceptional ball skills and instincts.
Pass Breakups: He added eight pass breakups, demonstrating his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
Tackles: DeJean contributed 75 tackles, proving his willingness to get involved in run support.
Special Teams Impact: Continued to contribute on special teams with punt return ability.

His stellar performance earned him All-Big Ten honors and solidified his reputation as one of the top defensive backs in the conference. His ability to read quarterbacks and react quickly made him a nightmare for opposing offenses.

Junior Season (2023): A Season Cut Short

Entering his junior season, DeJean was widely regarded as one of the top defensive backs in the nation and a potential first-round NFL Draft pick. He continued to excel, showcasing his versatility and playmaking ability.

Continued Excellence: Before his season-ending injury, DeJean recorded two interceptions and five pass breakups.
Punt Return Touchdown: DeJean displayed his explosiveness on special teams, returning one punt for a touchdown.
Injury: Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a leg injury, raising concerns about his draft stock.

Despite the injury, DeJean's body of work at Iowa was enough to solidify his status as a top NFL prospect. His athleticism, instincts, and versatility make him a highly coveted player in the upcoming draft.

Cooper DeJean: Scouting Report

DeJean's scouting report highlights his exceptional athletic traits, football IQ, and versatility. His ability to excel at multiple positions and contribute on special teams makes him a valuable asset to any NFL team.

Strengths

Athleticism: DeJean possesses exceptional athleticism, including elite speed, agility, and explosiveness. He tested well at the NFL combine and his pro day, showcasing his physical gifts.
Versatility: DeJean's ability to play multiple positions, including cornerback, safety, and nickel back, makes him a valuable asset. He also has experience on special teams as a punt returner.
Ball Skills: DeJean has excellent ball skills, demonstrated by his numerous interceptions and pass breakups. He has a knack for reading quarterbacks and anticipating throws.
Tackling: DeJean is a willing and physical tackler, contributing effectively in run support. He demonstrates good technique and is not afraid to mix it up with bigger players.
Football IQ: DeJean possesses a high football IQ, allowing him to quickly diagnose plays and react accordingly. He is a smart and instinctive player who understands the game well.
Special Teams Prowess: A dangerous punt returner, DeJean consistently demonstrates his ability to create explosive plays. His speed, agility, and vision make him a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

Weaknesses

Injury History: DeJean's leg injury in his junior season raises concerns about his durability. Teams will need to conduct thorough medical evaluations to assess the long-term impact of the injury.
Technique: While DeJean is a gifted athlete, his technique can be inconsistent at times. He needs to refine his footwork and hand placement to become a more polished defensive back.
Aggressiveness: While his aggressiveness is generally a strength, it can sometimes lead to penalties. He needs to learn to control his aggression and avoid unnecessary flags.
Long Speed: While fast, some scouts believe his long speed isn't elite, potentially limiting him against the fastest NFL receivers.

NFL Comparison

Several NFL analysts have compared DeJean to players like Tyrann Mathieu, due to his versatility and playmaking ability. Like Mathieu, DeJean is a dynamic defender who can excel in multiple roles. Another possible comparison is to Brian Branch, another versatile defensive back who was highly sought after in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Cooper DeJean: Statistical Analysis

A look at Cooper DeJean's stats during his Iowa career highlights his productivity and impact on the Hawkeyes' defense.

Career Statistics

Games Played: 33
Tackles: 120
Interceptions: 7
Pass Breakups: 13
Punt Return Average: 13.1 yards
Punt Return Touchdowns: 1

Key Statistics and Their Significance

Interceptions and Pass Breakups: These stats demonstrate DeJean's ball skills and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. His knack for creating turnovers makes him a valuable asset to any defense.
Tackles: DeJean's tackle numbers show his willingness to get involved in run support. He is a physical player who is not afraid to mix it up with bigger players.
Punt Return Average and Touchdowns: These stats highlight DeJean's explosiveness and ability to create game-changing plays on special teams.

Cooper DeJean: Draft Projections and Potential Landing Spots

Entering the NFL Draft, Cooper DeJean is projected to be a first-round pick, with some analysts projecting him as a top-15 selection. His versatility and athleticism make him a highly coveted player, and several teams are expected to be interested in acquiring his services.

Potential Landing Spots

Several teams could be potential landing spots for Cooper DeJean, depending on their needs and draft position.

Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles have a need for a versatile defensive back who can play multiple positions. DeJean would be a great fit in their defensive scheme.
Green Bay Packers: The Packers are looking to upgrade their secondary and add more playmakers on defense. DeJean's ball skills and athleticism would make him a valuable addition to their team.
Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks have a history of drafting defensive backs early in the draft. DeJean's versatility and special teams ability would make him a good fit in Seattle.
Pittsburgh Steelers: With a need for defensive back depth and versatility, the Steelers could target DeJean.

Factors Affecting Draft Stock

Several factors could affect DeJean's draft stock, including his injury history, combine performance, and the overall depth of the defensive back class.

Injury History: DeJean's leg injury will be a major concern for NFL teams. Teams will need to conduct thorough medical evaluations to assess the long-term impact of the injury.
Combine Performance: DeJean's performance at the NFL Combine or his pro day will be critical in determining his draft stock. He needs to showcase his athleticism and demonstrate that he is fully recovered from his injury.
Defensive Back Class Depth: The depth of the defensive back class could also affect DeJean's draft stock. If there are several other highly rated defensive backs available, DeJean may fall slightly in the draft.

Cooper DeJean: Analyzing His Fit in Different NFL Schemes

Cooper DeJean's versatility makes him a fit in various NFL defensive schemes. His ability to play multiple positions allows defensive coordinators to utilize him in creative ways.

Zone Coverage Schemes

DeJean excels in zone coverage schemes, where his football IQ and instincts allow him to read quarterbacks and anticipate throws. His ball skills make him a threat to create turnovers in zone coverage.

Man Coverage Schemes

While DeJean is not primarily a man coverage corner, he has the athleticism and technique to be effective in man coverage situations. His speed and agility allow him to stay with receivers, and his physicality makes him difficult to beat. He may need some development in technique to consistently excel in man coverage at the NFL level.

Hybrid Schemes

DeJean's versatility makes him ideally suited for hybrid defensive schemes, which combine elements of both zone and man coverage. His ability to play multiple positions allows defensive coordinators to use him in a variety of roles, keeping opposing offenses guessing.

Cooper DeJean: The Impact Beyond the Field

Beyond his on-field performance, Cooper DeJean is known for his character, work ethic, and leadership qualities. These attributes make him a valuable asset to any team, both on and off the field.

Leadership Qualities

DeJean is a natural leader who leads by example. He is respected by his teammates and coaches for his hard work, dedication, and positive attitude. He has a strong work ethic and is committed to continuous improvement.

Community Involvement

DeJean is actively involved in his community, participating in various charitable events and initiatives. He is a role model for young athletes and is committed to giving back to the community.

Character and Work Ethic

DeJean is known for his high character and strong work ethic. He is a disciplined and focused player who is committed to achieving his goals. He is a positive influence on his teammates and is always willing to go the extra mile.

Cooper DeJean: The Future is Bright

Cooper DeJean's journey from Iowa star to NFL prospect is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication. With his exceptional athleticism, versatility, and football IQ, he is poised to make a significant impact in the NFL. While the injury raised concerns, his pro day alleviated many of those fears. As he transitions to the next level, the football world will be watching closely to see what he can accomplish.

Expected NFL Career Trajectory

DeJean is expected to have a long and successful NFL career. His versatility and athleticism will allow him to contribute in multiple roles, and his character and work ethic will make him a valuable asset to any team.

Legacy and Influence

DeJean has already left a lasting legacy at the University of Iowa. His success on the field has inspired young athletes throughout the state, and his character and leadership qualities have made him a role model for others. As he embarks on his NFL career, he has the potential to become one of the league's top defensive players and a positive influence both on and off the field. He's set a high bar for future defensive backs coming out of Iowa.

In conclusion, Cooper DeJean represents the epitome of a modern NFL prospect – versatile, athletic, and possessing a high football IQ. His journey from a multi-sport star in rural Iowa to a highly touted NFL Draft pick is a compelling story of hard work and dedication. While his recent injury introduced an element of uncertainty, his overall skillset and potential remain undeniable. The team that drafts Cooper DeJean will be acquiring not only a talented player but also a leader and a role model.

Cooper DeJean: Post Draft Analysis

Assuming Cooper DeJean is drafted as projected, a post-draft analysis will focus on how he fits into his new team's scheme, his immediate impact, and his long-term development. Factors to consider include:

Scheme Fit: How well does his skillset align with the team's defensive philosophy? Will he be immediately utilized in a versatile role, or will he initially focus on a specific position?
Rookie Season Impact: Will he be a Day 1 starter, a rotational player, or primarily a special teams contributor? His initial role will depend on the team's needs and his performance in training camp.
Long-Term Development: What aspects of his game need refinement? Will the team focus on improving his man coverage skills, his tackling technique, or his overall understanding of the NFL game?
Leadership Role: How quickly will he emerge as a leader within the team? His character and work ethic suggest he has the potential to become a vocal leader and a positive influence on his teammates.
Injury Recovery: How has he bounced back from the injury and is he ready to make an immediate impact?

Ultimately, Cooper DeJean's success in the NFL will depend on his ability to adapt to the professional game, continue to develop his skills, and remain healthy. However, his combination of talent, work ethic, and leadership qualities suggests that he has the potential to become a star at the next level.