Latest Cooper DeJean update could benefit Packers in 2024 NFL Draft

There's a reason why Iowa's Cooper DeJean is the most popular choice for the Green Bay Packers in mock drafts.

He checks every box. The Packers prioritize athleticism and production in the early rounds of the draft. Add in that DeJean plays multiple positions of need, and he is the perfect first-round target.

DeJean played most of his snaps at outside corner for Iowa, but he has experience in the slot and at safety.

The concern is whether DeJean will be available by the time Green Bay hits the clock at No. 25 overall. Some mocks have him going inside the top 15, while others believe he will fall to the Packers later on Day 1.

His status for the NFL Scouting Combine could have an impact.

Potential Packers target Cooper DeJean won't test at NFL Scouting Combine

DeJean's status for next week's NFL Scouting Combine was in doubt due to a leg injury he suffered at the end of the season. The Athletic's Dane Brugler reports that DeJean won't test at the combine.

That's significant. While the combine testing isn't the be-all and end-all, DeJean had the chance to increase his draft stock with a strong performance in Indianapolis.

"He would have blown up the Combine. His athletic testing is off the charts," writes Brugler.

And that could have secured him a spot in the top 15. He still could go that high—Brugler noted that DeJean plans to work out for NFL teams once he's healthy—but not participating at the combine could make an impact.

The Packers shouldn't hesitate to select DeJean if he falls to No. 25. Whether he plays on the outside, slot corner, safety, or all of the above, DeJean would instantly upgrade the secondary. He defended 13 passes and intercepted seven in his final two seasons at Iowa.

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah put it best.

"DeJean just feels like a Packers player. He could play any position in the secondary," writes Jeremiah, who had him going 25th to the Packers in his latest mock draft.

DeJean is a dream first-round target for the Packers. Whether he falls to No. 25 remains to be seen, but not participating at the combine could have an impact on his draft stock.

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