2024 NFL Mock Draft: Packers secure another defender from Iowa

It's never too early to talk about the 2024 NFL Draft, right?

While the Green Bay Packers and their fanbase have their sights set on the 2023 NFL season, the folks over The Athletic are taking a peek into the future.

The Athletic (subscription required) released their latest 2024 NFL Mock Draft on Wednesday, and unsurprisingly, the outlet believes the Packers will look to fortify their defensive backfield on Day 1.

Packers to ignore offense in first round again?

The writers at The Athletic believe the Green Bay Packers will take another defender from the University of Iowa with the No. 19 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

If Cooper DeJean is on the board when Green Bay makes their selection next spring, the Hawkeyes' defensive back would definitely be a great choice.

DeJean set a school record in 2022 with a three interceptions returned for touchdowns. The 6-foot-1, 207-pound junior out of Odebolt, Iowa is a ballhawking defensive back who can line up at cornerback at safety.

On the season, DeJean has 36 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, along with five breakups and two picks. In 13 games for the Hawkeyes in 2022, DeJean recorded 75 tackles and five interceptions.

The Green Bay Packers took Lukas Van Ness out of Iowa with their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Will the Packers make it back-to-back seasons selecting a player from Kirk Ferentz's defense with their first pick?

Iowa is typically more well known for churning out top tight end prospects like George Kittle and T.J. Hockenson, but defensive playmakers like Desmond King, Jack Campbell, and A.J. Epenesa are starting to change the narrative a little bit.

There's still a long way to go until the 2023 season is in the books, and how the Green Bay Packers finish will have a great impact on where they'll be picking in the 2024 NFL Draft. But it's never too early to scout some of the potential talent that could make their way to Lambeau Field.

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