Cardinals Spending Extra Time With Top DB

The Arizona Cardinals met with Iowa Hawkeyes DB Cooper DeJean at the 2024 NFL Combine.

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Arizona Cardinals need help at defensive back, and perhaps an Iowa Hawkeye could be of assistance. 

Projected first-round pick Cooper DeJean stepped to the No. 4 podium here in Indianapolis knowing a big week's ahead of him. The versatile Hawkeye defensive back has lined up across the board in Iowa's defense, and a strong week of medicals, testing and interviews with NFL teams would secure his status as one of the top players on his side of the ball. 

DeJean confirmed he met with the Cardinals - multiple times.

"I've talked to them a couple of times throughout that whole process. Those are really, really good names. Budda Baker is a guy who I've watched quite a bit - just the way he plays the game, how hard he plays it. So he's a lot of fun to watch for sure," said DeJean. 

"Just moving around, being able to play multiple different positions. I think that's an advantage coming into this league and being able to play wherever they put me. Doesn't matter to me to be honest. I'll play anywhere. I just want to play ball," DeJean said.

The Cardinals would love to acquire the talents of DeJean, who played at five different positions across the field for Iowa in 2023 (PFF). 

Most of those aligned at corner, though he did register snaps along the defensive line (not as an actual lineman, just as an extra body in the mix), slot, box and deep safety as well.

Arizona will search for a solidified CB1 to help carry a room that heavily relied on rookies such as Garrett Williams, Kei'Trel Clark and Starling Thomas while Antonio Hamilton and Marco Wilson (prior to his release) held it down. 

DeJean could also align at safety for Arizona if needed, a position that already sees talented stars such as Baker and Jalen Thompson in the backfield. 

For what it's worth, Baker's contract expires at the end of the season. 

Regardless, the creative minds of Nick Rallis and Jonathan Gannon could put DeJean's talent to use, if he is indeed present with their second first-round pick at No. 27.