NFL Mock Draft Roundup: A new favorite emerges for Packers in first round

Almost every year, a draft prospect quickly becomes a favorite for the Green Bay Packers. A player fans desperately want to see in the green and gold, and several mock drafts project to Green Bay.

It was Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba last year. Often, the Packers don't actually select the "favorite." Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in 2014 might be the last time it happened.

We're still over two months away from the 2024 NFL Draft, but this year's "favorite" for the Packers is emerging: Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean.

And for good reason. DeJean is everything the Packers need on defense. Green Bay must upgrade the slot corner and safety positions—DeJean is a master of both and can also play at outside corner.

DeJean is one of several first-round options that would make sense, and he continues to get linked to the Packers in mock drafts.

Packers mock draft roundup: Cooper DeJean makes all the sense in the world

Field Yates, ESPN: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

ESPN is one of several mock drafts with DeJean falling to No. 25. This would be a home run. He could find a home in the slot or at safety in Jeff Hafley's defense, upgrading an urgent area of need. DeJean had five interceptions and three pick-sixes in 2022.

Luke Easterling, Sports Illustrated: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

Another mock has DeJean landing in Green Bay. The fit is perfect. It all comes down to whether DeJean falls this far. Working in the Packers' favor is the depth at cornerback in this year's rookie class, and teams picking earlier may prefer to go for more traditional outside corners, causing DeJean to fall.

Garrett Podell, CBS Sports: Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington

Not every mock has DeJean to the Packers. This one has him going two picks earlier to the Houston Texans. Instead, Green Bay lands versatile offensive lineman Troy Fautanu out of Washington. Fautanu could play at tackle or guard for the Packers—they love that versatility.

Tony Pauline, Sportskeeda: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

Tony Pauline admits he's "not big on DeJean" but likes the fit. Pauline notes that he believes DeJean best fits in the NFL as a safety while also praising his return ability. The Packers may also need a new returner if Keisean Nixon departs in free agency.

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