Cooper DeJean. David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Cooper DeJean could be CB1 in 2024 NFL Draft after pro day

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated 4/8/24

Iowa cornerback/punt returner Cooper DeJean has always been projected as a first-round draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The main question, as with most prospects, has been where? That question was even more prevalent as he rehabbed from a broken fibula he suffered at the end of Iowa's 2023 season.

The good news for DeJean heading into the draft was that he was cleared, less than a week ago, to resume football activities. He's healed up nicely.

Even better news? After his incredible pro day in Iowa City, there's some legitimate hype around him as potentially being the top cornerback in this draft.

Basically, to be able to show off that type of athleticism less than a week after being medically cleared to come back from a broken fibula — DeJean clearly has what it takes to be the "real deal" athletically.

At his pro day, Cooper DeJean posted an unofficial 9.89 RAS (Relative Athletic Score).

That is the best RAS for a CB prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft class.

And DeJean did this less than 2 weeks after being medically cleared.

Undoubtedly, a top 15 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. https://t.co/h8QPlBeFtc
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) April 8, 2024

Cooper DeJean: CB1 in the NFL Draft? pic.twitter.com/HOfJHC9rjD
— PFF (@PFF) April 8, 2024

Throw that onto the fact that he's clearly a playmaker as both a cornerback and a kick returner, and it wouldn't be surprising if an NFL team decided he'd be worth the pick over the likes of Terrion Arnold or Kool-Aid McKinstry from Alabama, or Toledo's Quinyon Mitchell.

More must-reads: