Cooper DeJean’s pro day numbers revealed after recovering from leg injury
NFL scouts have revealed Cooper DeJean’s Pro Day numbers after his recovery from a severe leg injury ahead of the NFL Draft. DeJean informed NFL teams last week that he’s fully recovered and he proved it on Monday during a Pro Day in Iowa City. The former Iowa cornerback posted two 40-yard dash times under 4.45, with a scout reporting a 4.43, which would have ranked in the top 10 for corners at the NFL Scouting Combine last month.
The 6-foot-0, 203-pound defensive back also posted a vertical jump of 38.5 inches, and a broad jump of 10 feet, four inches. His vertical jump also would have ranked in the top 10 among corners at the Combine.
DeJean is considered one of the top defensive back prospects ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft despite suffering a season-ending injury last year. The versatile DB fractured his fibula during a practice ahead of Week 13 of the college season. Recovery from the injury kept him from participating at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. With his Pro Day out of the way, he can turn his focus to top-30 prospect visits with teams around the league.
DeJean was a unanimous consensus All-American in 2023 despite his season-ending injury. He recorded 41 tackles, five passes defensed, and two interceptions in his 10 appearances. He also had 21 punt returns for 241 yards and one touchdown.
The defensive back burst onto the scene in 2022 in his first year as a starter with 75 tackles, eight pass breakups, and five interceptions. He returned three interceptions for touchdowns and returned 10 punts for 165 yards.
DeJean fully healthy ahead of April 25 NFL Draft
ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has only two other cornerbacks ahead of the Hawkeyes star – Quinyon Mitchell of Toledo and Terrion Arnold of Alabama. Kiper has consistently placed DeJean in his list of top 20 prospects, which is, in part, due to his ability to play in multiple positions in the secondary.
“He can play in any defense structure, which is what I like about him at corner,” Kiper said last week while talking to reporters about the draft. “I think he can move inside. He’s over 6-foot, 205 pounds, he is a guy who’s very athletic, very tough, good tackler, punt return ability.
“Cooper would have been a top-15 guy if he finished the process healthy, finished the year healthy. I think the dual versatility helps him. Not being able to work out, obviously, that’s something that people would like to see.”
In Field Yates’ latest mock draft, he has the Hawkeyes standout heading to the Detroit Lions with the No. 29 overall pick. The Eagles, with pick No. 22, have shown significant interest as well.