Potential Texans Draft Pick Cooper DeJean Reveals Injury And Recovery Plan

The Houston Texans could target Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean should he fall to the No. 23 pick

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Houston Texans could be in the market for a cornerback and Iowa's Cooper DeJean might be the answer. 

Will he be there at No. 23? That's a question the 22 teams picking ahead of Houston on April 25. 

DeJean, a do-it-all playmaking defensive back and punt returner, confirmed Thursday at the NFL Scouting Combine that he's running full speed following his season-ending leg injury. 

"I've been rehabbing ever since," DeJean said of the injury. "[I] just started running full speed last week. I plan on working out at some point before the draft. ... I am [medically] cleared. I'm just progressing right now."

DeJean called it a "freak injury," believing it was a one-in-a-million-type issue. While he won't test Friday during the NFL Scouting Combine, he plans on testing at Iowa's Pro Day later this month prior to the draft. 

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"I just started running full speed last week, so I haven't been able to train like I want to," said DeJean

Houston has stability with Derek Stingley Jr. as the top cover man entering 2022. Outside of him, there are concerns about entering free agency. Steven Nelson, Desmond King and Tavierre Thoms are set to hit the market and could be looking for lucrative paydays following an 11-8 season. 

The Texans have been monitoring the cornerback market this week. Alabama's Kool-Aid McKinstry, Toldeo's Quinyon Mitchell and Clemson's Nate Wiggins all had formal interviews with the team earlier this week. Multiple other corners all met with the Texans informally. 

DeJean said the teams he's met with have said they see him as an option at cornerback on the outside, but also potentially in the slot. He also is willing to transition to safety after playing the position in high school. 

"Being able to play multiple different positions, I think that's an advantage coming into this league, to be able to play wherever they put me," DeJean said. "It doesn't matter to me, to be honest. I just want to play ball."

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Most teams, however, believe his special teams skills make him a first-round pick. During his time with the Hawkeyes, he returned 31 punts averaging 13.1 yards per return with one touchdown.

The Texans started three players at punt returners last season, including King. As a unit, Houston averaged 9.7 yards per return.