DES MOINES, Iowa — The 2024 NFL Draft is just one day away, and the in-state prospect with the most buzz is Hawkeye defensive back Cooper DeJean.
DeJean is projected to be a first-round draft pick, with potential landing spots included Green Bay Packers and Philidelphia Eagles.
Ahead of the chaos, Local 5 Sports Director Reina Garcia sat down with Locked On NFL Draft podcast co-host and senior NFL draft analyst for the Draft Network Keith Sanchez to talk all-things NFL Draft, including DeJean's potential impact on the league.
His takeaway? Versatility on the field is part of DeJean's appeal.
"So I think Cooper DeJean is exciting is because, I think, this is a player that can play corner, right at a high level. But then also in certain situations, you can move on to the safety position. And we know how to NFL is transitioning to having these guys right with five, six defensive backs on the field," Sanchez said. "But Cooper DeJean is a guy that while you bring a defensive back and you have him on the field, you're not losing physicality, either, because he's a guy that will come down and he will make the big tackle in a big hit."
But there are a few other players that caught Sanchez's eye: Iowa State defensive back T.J. Tampa and Iowa tight end Erick All.
You can watch the full one-on-one below.
Catch the conversations about each prospect at these time codes:
- Iowa DB Cooper DeJean (:00 - 4:00)
- Iowa State DB T.J. Tampa (4:00 - 5:33)
- Iowa TE Erick All (5:33 - 6:57)
- Iowa DL Logan Lee (6:57 - 7:56)
- Iowa P Tory Taylor (7:56 - 9:21)
- UNI DL Khristian Boyd (9:21 - 10:01)
What time does the 2024 NFL Draft start?
- Round 1: Thursday, April 25 at 7 p.m. CT
- Rounds 2 & 3: Friday, April 26 at 6 p.m. CT
- Rounds 4-7: Saturday, April 27 at 11 a.m. CT