The Green Bay Packers have several options for their first-round pick, but general manager Brian Gutekunst hinted at how the team views Cooper DeJean ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Gutekunst talked to reporters on Monday, April 22, just before this year’s draft. He was asked about DeJean during his availability and offered some important insights.
In particular, Gutekunst was asked if he sees DeJean as a safety or cornerback in the NFL.
“I think he can do both,” Gutekunst said. “…he’s very versatile in that way. I think he’s obviously a very good athlete. His ability to take the ball away is very impressive. Also, he's talented at special teams, so he’s a well-rounded player.”
The Packers have long-term needs at both positions. Gutekunst’s comments indicate that DeJean could be one of the team’s main targets in this year’s draft.
Cooper DeJean Scouting Report
This year’s cornerback class includes some top-level talent. However, no one offers the versatility that DeJean brings to the NFL.
Despite being a 4-star recruit out of high school, DeJean had limited FBS offers. Iowa State didn’t even recruit him, but the Iowa Hawkeyes did.
It didn’t take long for DeJean to make an impact. He became a starter as a true sophomore, immediately breaking out with three defensive touchdowns and five interceptions. He entered the NFL Draft after receiving unanimous All-American honors in 2023 with back-to-back All-Big Ten selections.
At 6’0″ and 203, DeJean has great size and instincts for a defensive back. He has excellent closing speed and can deliver strong hits when making tackles. Additionally, he’s an experienced and dangerous return specialist.
DeJean’s main concern was a season-ending injury he suffered this past season. Thankfully, many of those concerns were alleviated with a very strong pro day that showed he’s healthy and ready to play.
It’s uncertain what his role will be at the NFL level. However, DeJean’s athletic abilities and instincts will make him a valuable contributor wherever he plays.
The Packers Would Likely Shift Cooper DeJean to Safety
Even though DeJean could play cornerback or safety, he would probably end up at safety for the Packers in 2024.
That’s not because DeJean would be better at safety than cornerback. It’s simply because the Packers lack reliable contributors at the safety position. Xavier McKinney signed a huge $68 million deal to join Green Bay, but the team needs another starting-caliber contributor to play alongside him.
Anthony Johnson Jr. is the only other notable safety currently on Green Bay’s depth chart. However, as a seventh-round pick last season, it’s unclear if he’d be able to handle a full-time starting role. Other safeties include Benny Sapp III, Zayne Anderson, and Tyler Coyle.
That’s a lot of uncertainty at a key position in Jeff Hafley’s defensive scheme. Jaire Alexander, Carrington Valentine, and Keisean Nixon can manage the cornerback room. However, the Packers need another impact player like DeJean to make plays in the defensive backfield.
