The Green Bay Packers have some alternatives with their first-round pick, but general manager Brian Gutekunst gave a strong indication of how the team feels about Cooper DeJean ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Gutekunst spoke to media on Monday, April 22, only days before this year’s draft. During his availability, the Packers general manager was asked about DeJean, and he provided some valuable insights.
Gutekunst was specifically questioned whether he considers DeJean a safety or a cornerback in the NFL.
“I think he can do both,” Gutekunst added. “He’s very versatile in that way.” I think he’s an excellent athlete. His ability to take the ball away is quite outstanding. Obviously, he has some team abilities as well, making him a pretty well-rounded player.
The Packers have long-term needs in both positions. According to Gutekunst, DeJean might be one of the team’s top draft prospects this year.
Cooper DeJean Scouting Report
This year’s cornerback class boasts some elite talent. However, no one has the versatility that DeJean provides to the NFL.
Despite being a four-star recruit out of high school, DeJean received few FBS offers. Iowa State did not offer him as an in-state recruit, but the Iowa Hawkeyes did.
DeJean quickly established himself. As a true sophomore, he earned three defensive touchdowns and five interceptions, catapulting him into the starting lineup. He declared for the NFL Draft in 2023 after winning unanimous All-American accolades and two All-Big Ten choices.
DeJean, who stands 6’0″ and weighs 203 pounds, is a strong defensive back with excellent instincts. He has impressive closing speed and can deliver crushing blows when triggered downhill. Furthermore, he is an experienced and lethal return specialist.
DeJean’s biggest red flag was a season-ending injury he experienced this year. Fortunately, many of those worries were addressed with a successful pro day that demonstrated his health and readiness to play.
It is unclear what his function will be in the NFL. However, DeJean’s physical profile and instincts will make him a valuable contributor wherever he plays.
The Packers would likely move Cooper DeJean to safety.
DeJean might play cornerback or safety for the Packers in 2024, although the latter is more likely.
This is not because DeJean would be a better safety than Corner. The Packers simply lack serious contributors at the safety position. Xavier McKinney received a hefty $68 million contract to join the Packers, but the team needs another starting-caliber player to complement him.
Green Bay’s depth chart currently includes only one other notable safety, Anthony Johnson Jr. However, as a seventh-round pick last season, it is questionable whether he can handle a full-time starting job. Other safeties include Benny Sapp III, Zayne Anderson, and Tyler Coyle.
There’s a lot of uncertainty at a critical position in Jeff Hafley’s defensive system. Jaire Alexander, Carrington Valentine, and Keisean Nixon can manage the cornerback room. However, the Packers require another impact player, such as DeJean, to make plays in the defensive backfield.
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