Los Angeles Rams Draft Target Cooper DeJean Impresses at Pro Day

The Los Angeles Rams could go in several directions in Round 1. Why not pick a prospect who can play multiple positions? Recapping Cooper DeJean's pro day.

Nov 4, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats wide receiver Cam Johnson (14) tries to / David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Rams were aggressive in free agency, shoring up their most desperate needs in the secondary and offensive line ahead of the NFL Draft.

While a pass rusher in some form may hear their name called with the 19th pick, Los Angeles may pivot elsewhere. The Rams have earned the right to be flexible on Day 1, whether that means taking a developmental starter, addressing a position of need, or trading out of the first round.

One of the more popular non-pass-rushing prospects frequently mocked to Los Angeles is Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean.

Nov 4, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats wide receiver Cam Johnson (14) tries to / David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

On Monday, DeJean showed out at Iowa’s pro day and re-established himself as one of the top defensive prospects in the class.

While comparing DeJean – or any prospect – to former Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey is likely ambitious, the veteran’s profile as a prospect could be the blueprint for the Iowaw product. Ramsey was viewed as a high-level prospect with the athleticism and skills to play boundary corner, safety, and slot corner well in the NFL. Obviously, he ended up being one of the top corners of the past decade.

DeJean, meanwhile, has said that teams are largely viewing him as a safety prospect. His testing numbers – including a 4.42-second 40-yard dash and a 38.5-inch vertical jump at 6-foot, 202 pounds – are elite for both positions.

The Rams may be more likely to draft DeJean if they view him as a safety, given the need next to free-agent signing Kamren Curl. Whatever position is scribbled on his scouting report is bound to get tossed aside anyway. Wherever DeJean lands, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him end up across the formation, following certain targets, and filling different roles as his defensive coordinator sees necessary.

Versatile prospects can be overvalued by the thought of playing multiple positions eliciting upside, but the flexibility he offers as a strong starter in the back end is legitimately valuable.

DeJean is a comfortable Round 1 prospect whose stock is only impaired by the incredible amount of offensive talent atop the draft. Sitting in the middle of the first round, Los Angeles may find itself grateful for the class’ strengths.

Pairing DeJean with Curl at safety, roaming over the top of new signings Darious Williams and Tre’Davious White, would give Los Angeles a much-improved secondary than last season, when the pass defense faltered. 

DeJean isn’t a direct comparison to Ramsey as a prospect – the predecessor boasting demonstrably elite fluidity and coverage skills – but that shouldn’t take away from a skill set that has merits as one of the class’ better cover corners and run defenders.

As a strong fit and a stock that aligns with the Rams’ selection, one would imagine he’s in play for Los Angeles.