Mel Kiper Mock Draft: Rams Bolster Secondary With Elite Corner Prospect

The Los Angeles Rams address one of their biggest needs in Mel Kiper's latest mock draft, selecting Iowa Hawkeyes cornerback Cooper DeJean at No. 19 overall.

The Los Angeles Rams were one of the NFL's biggest surprises this season, but if they want to take the next step to becoming a contender once again, they'll have to bolster their roster this offseason.

Some of L.A.'s biggest needs include edge rusher and cornerback, but other positions could use some attention too. The Rams should be active in free agency with over $40 million in cap space to work with, but look for them to fill some of their holes through the NFL Draft as well.

In the latest mock draft by ESPN's Mel Kiper, one of the premier draft analysts in the scene for decades, the Rams solve one of their major needs by selecting Iowa Hawkeyes cornerback Cooper DeJean at No. 19 overall.

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"Fourth-round pick Cobie Durant was a revelation as a rookie in 2022, but he was inconsistent last season, and Derion Kendrick -- taken in Round 6 in the same draft -- didn't take a step forward either," Kiper wrote. "So while the Rams got a resurgent season from Ahkello Witherspoon, the veteran is a free agent, meaning there are big questions in this secondary. I see corner as their single biggest need.

"DeJean, who would be L.A.'s first Round 1 pick since 2016 (yes, really), is my No. 1-ranked CB. He's recovering from a broken leg suffered in November, but he still had seven interceptions over the past two seasons. That'd be huge for a defense that forced 15 takeaways in 2023, which ranked 30th in the league. DeJean isn't expected to work out at the combine, but I still see him as a Day 1 selection."

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DeJean blossomed into a star at Iowa, earning unanimous All-American honors despite his injury late in the season. In 10 games, the South Dakota-native had 41 total tackles, seven passes defended and two interceptions.

In addition to his ability to shut down opposing receivers, DeJean has also shown great athleticism for being 6-1 and 207 pounds. He has the potential to become a star in the secondary, and if he's available when the Rams are up to pick, they'll have to give him some serious consideration.