The Green Bay Packers have quickly become strong contenders for the Super Bowl in the NFC, thanks to the emergence of a top quarterback and some bold acquisitions by general manager Brian Gutekunst in free agency. Jordan Love Xavier McKinney
Signing and the exchange of players at running back have been recognized as two of the best moves in the league this offseason. Josh Jacobs for Aaron Jones Gutekunst’s work is not finished, and the Packers may be able to enhance their roster during the NFL Draft, especially in the secondary, which has already been strengthened by safety McKinney’s addition as a key player in
defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s secondary. Considering that Hafley’s strategy relies on strong defensive back play, the cornerback position could be a key focus during this year’s draft..
According to Pro Football Focus, the Packers should make a significant move up the board by trading with the Miami Dolphins to select Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean.
Brad Spielberger of PFF points out that “Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has traded up for defensive backs in the first round twice already in his young career,”
. He adds, “DeJean could compete for the starting outside cornerback position opposite Jaire Alexander or provide insurance in case of changes in the team's roster.” According to Spielberger, the Packers could offer picks No. 25 and 169, as well as a 2025 third-round pick, to outbid teams like thePhiladelphia Eagles
Dallas Cowboys
Minnesota Vikings who may also be seeking defensive back help to secure the opportunity to draft DeJean in the first round., Cooper DeJean NFL Draft Scouting Report, and DeJean could be the type of player who steps in and makes an immediate upgrade. Last season, DeJean intercepted two passes and made 41 total tackles.
Lance Zierline of NFL Media suggests that DeJean is a competitive defensive back with strong ball skills and valuable special teams abilities.
. He mentions that DeJean has great interception production, but he may lack the agility needed for man coverage at the next level. He excels at using his instincts to challenge quarterbacks and has a strong burst in pursuit of the ball carrier.
Besides playing as a cornerback, DeJean can also have an impact on special teams, especially in the return game.
Why Packers’ Xavier McKinney is a ‘unique’ Player The signing of McKinney was a key move for the Packers’ offseason, particularly for a team that usually avoids making big moves in the free-agent market.McKinney is a rising talent, one of the top players in his position, and represents the kind of player the Packers can build their secondary around.
After making 116 total tackles with three interceptions, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries, Gutekunst says it was an easy decision for the Packers to add McKinney.
“I think he’s a unique player to become available,”
Gutekunst told reporters at the NFL Annual Meeting in Orlando
. “He’s 24 years old, one of the top safeties in the game. A guy that can be a game-changing type of player. He really kind of fits what we’re looking for as a free agent—not only as a player but as a leader back there.”
The Green Bay Packers could trade up in the 2024 NFL Draft to select Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean to fill a pressing need.
“I think he’s a unique player to become available,” Gutekunst told reporters at the NFL Annual Meeting in Orlando. “He’s 24 years old, one of the top safeties in the game. A guy that can be a game-changing type of player. He really kind of fits what we’re looking for as a free agent—not only as a player but as a leader back there.”
