Eagles Meeting With Iowa CB Cooper DeJean at NFL Combine: Report
Former Iowa Hawkeyes cornerback Cooper DeJean may not be the top player in his position class, but he's caught the eye of one organization in desperate need of first-round talent.
According to Chat Sports NFL reporter Chase Senior, the Philadelphia Eagles have scheduled a top-30 meeting with DeJean at the 2024 Scouting Combine.
DeJean, 21, recorded seven interceptions in three seasons with the Hawkeyes while having return experience for a program running a historically poor offense. He had experience at both safety and corner with excellent tape in zone coverage.
The South Dakota native is considered a safe first-round talent with strong leadership skills and an excellent fit for Philadelphia's zone-defensive system.
His meeting with the team, though, may not mean the Eagles end up drafting him. Philadelphia has not taken a cornerback in the first round in over 20 years with the front office preferring to address the position via trades or free agency.
Philadelphia has the 22nd overall pick and three selections in the top 64 this year. If there was a year to move past their cornerback issues, it could be with the current class which is considered one of the more complete groups in recent memory.
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The Eagles were second-worst against the pass last season in yards allowed and touchdowns. A disappointing safety room and horrifically graded second season with James Bradberry have left some wondering if the organization will look to address the outside cornerback role outside Darius Slay.
DeJean could certainly fit that mold as conversations heat up closer to the 2024 Draft.