Eric Williams
NFC West Writer
Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean, one of the most talented athletes in the 2024 NFL Draft, would provide playmaking ability and swagger for the San Francisco 49ers as they look to return to the Super Bowl.
That’s if he’s still available when they pick at No. 31 overall — the team’s first opportunity to select on Day 1 since 2021.
Of course, the 49ers could and likely would have to move up to grab DeJean, who put up some eye-popping numbers at his pro day. The 6-foot, 203-pound DeJean ran a 4.42 40 and posted a 38-inch vertical jump, showing NFL scouts that he’s fully recovered from the broken right leg that forced him to miss the last four games of the 2023 season.
The 49ers are uniquely set up to unlock DeJean’s full potential as a flexible defensive player and return man. San Francisco promoted Nick Sorensen to defensive coordinator and brought in longtime NFL DC Brandon Staley, allowing the 49ers to create a hybrid defense that combines some of Seattle’s Cover 3 schemes and Staley’s experience with 3-4 principles.
Staley, a protégé of longtime NFL defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, used Jalen Ramsey and Derwin James at his versatile “Star” position at his stops with the Rams and Chargers. DeJean could follow in the mold of those players if the 49ers implement some of Staley’s schemes in the secondary.
Charvarius Ward has developed into one of the top corners in the league, but the 49ers could use a talented player sticky in coverage opposite of him.
[Williams: As 49ers reload for another Super Bowl run, CB upgrade a priority]
DeJean follows a strong lineage of Iowa defensive backs for longtime Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz. Several of them have gone on to have successful NFL careers, including Micah Hyde, Geno Stone, Amani Hooker and Desmond King. Just last year, Iowa’s Riley Moss was selected in the third round by the Denver Broncos.
DeJean and Moss have more than Iowa in…
Source link : https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2024-nfl-draft-why-iowas-cooper-dejean-could-lead-a-renaissance-at-cb
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Publish date : 2024-04-11 17:47:26
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