Four-Round NFL Mock Draft Sends Cooper DeJean to Packers
GREEN BAY, Wis. – With Iowa’s Cooper DeJean, Clemson’s Nate Wiggins and Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry available to help the defensive backfield, the Green Bay Packers selected Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean with their first pick of a four-round mock draft at Sports Illustrated.
While DeJean didn’t perform at the Scouting Combine as he recovers from a broken fibula, Luke Easterling said he’s “one of the most versatile and athletic” prospects in the class.
Whether it’s cornerback, slot or safety, it’s a major position of need for the Packers given the injury problems of Eric Stokes and the free-agent status of Keisean Nixon and safeties Darnell Savage, Rudy Ford and Jonathan Owens.
The second-round picks were used on Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and Connecticut guard Christian Haynes. The move to the 4-3 under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will require another linebacker, and the potential departure of right guard Jon Runyan in free agency will leave the Packers critically short on depth on the interior offensive line.
After two more picks for the defense in the third round, the fourth-round choice was USC running back MarShawn Lloyd.
At 5-foot-8 3/4 and 220 pounds, Lloyd can pack a punch. With 4.48 speed in the 40, he’s got the speed to take it the distance. In his one season at USC, he rushed for 820 yards and nine touchdowns with a 7.1-yard average.
33rd Team (2 Rounds): Iowa DB Cooper DeJean
In a two-round mock draft by The 33rd Team’s Ian Valentino, the Packers landed DeJean, as well.
There were some quality blockers on the board, too, but it was “hard to overlook” the lack of talent in the defensive backfield beyond Jaire Alexander. Whether he lines up at corner, slot or safety, DeJean will be an upgrade.
The second-round picks were dedicted to the offense.
West Virginia center Zach Frazier would compete with Sean Rhyan at right guard in 2024 and could replace center Josh Myers in 2025. Running back Jonathon Brooks is crushing his comeback from a torn ACL. He could be the No. 2 in 2024 and step into the No. 1 role whenever Aaron Jones’ best days are behind him.
USA Today: Offensive Line Consensus
USA Today’s staff assembled three mocks into one, with all three going with offensive tackles. Victoria Hernandez selected Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton with an eye toward replacing David Bakhtiari and allowing Jordan Love to “continue to build his confidence.”
Pro Football Network: Iowa DB Cooper DeJean
While DeJean can contribute at “multiple positions,” PFN’s Joe Broback said it will “be interesting” to see how fast DeJean can project to life at safety.
Detroit Lions: Missouri CB Ennis Rakestraw
Lions beat writer Tim Twentyman took Rakestraw, a “tough and physical cornerback” despite his poor Scouting Combine.
Action Network: Alabama CB Kook-Aid KcKinstry
The gambling-based Web site went with McKinstry sent DeJean to the Steelers at No. 20 so went with the sticky Crimson Tide cornerback at No. 25. Still on the board were Duke’s Graham Barton, Arizona’s Jordan Morgan and Georgia’s Kamari Lassiter.
DraftKings: Receiver!
Sticking with the gambling sites, Nick Simon selected LSU receiver Brian Thomas. Given Thomas’ production in college and his dominance of the Scouting Combine, this pick seems unlikely. And that’s not even considering Green Bay’s depth at receiver and first-round history at the position.
Oklahoma offensive tackle Tyler Guyton and Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton were on the board yet.
