Cooper DeJean is coming off the board in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, joining a long list of former Iowa players in the NFL!

In Friday’s second round, the Philadelphia Eagles made the move to grab DeJean with the 40th overall pick. DeJean becomes the 4th cornerback to come off the board in this year’s draft and the first to come off the board after the first round. Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell, Alabama’s Terrion Arnold and Clemson’s Nate Wiggins were a trio of first-round selections.

Philadelphia needed a trade to make the pick happen, moving up in a trade with the Washington Commanders. With a first-round grade in many mock drafts, the Eagles are getting some serious value with DeJean still available at No. 40 overall.

DeJean’s 2023 season was cut short by a broken leg that forced him to the sideline and forced him to miss the NFL Combine. Fortunately, he was cleared in enough time to schedule a private workout for NFL teams leading up to the draft. His performance was exceptional with DeJean maintaining his elite explosiveness and impressing those in attendance.

DeJean made his collegiate debut with limited playing time as a true freshman. He quickly made a name for himself as a sophomore, recording 5 interceptions with 3 pick-6s and 8 pass breakups to go with 75 total tackles.

During the 2023 season, DeJean took another step forward with many teams opting to avoid his coverage altogether. He still finished with 2 interceptions and 5 pass breakups before his season-ending injury.

DeJean’s impact was not limited to the defensive side of the ball as an explosive punt returner for the Hawkeyes. He averaged 13.1 yards per return on 31 returns, including a crucial punt-return touchdown against Michigan State this past season. He also delivered another potentially iconic return touchdown against Minnesota, but that score was eventually called back under a questionable ruling.

It remains to be seen if DeJean is viewed as a true cornerback on the outside or if he will be used as a nickel or safety in the NFL. Either way, he should have a path to being an early contributor on defense and special teams with his versatility.