After the release of Cooper DeJean‘s Relative Athletic Score, it has become consensus that he will, at the very least, be a top 20 pick in this year’s draft. With Green Bay currently sitting at the 25th spot and considering their current set of players in the secondary, should the Packers move up for DeJean?
The Packers face needs in both nickel and safety positions. With the capability to smoothly transition between cornerback and safety roles, DeJean emerges as a coveted asset for any defensive scheme. Regardless of the label—cornerback or safety—DeJean epitomizes the adaptability of a pure defensive back.
In 2023, DeJean played 630 snaps as a wide corner, 23 snaps as a slot corner, 23 snaps in the box, and 28 snaps on the defensive line. Over 388 coverage snaps, he didn’t allow a single touchdown and maintained a 37.8 passer rating against him.
DeJean stands out as one of the most NFL-ready cornerbacks in the upcoming draft class. Whether lining up as a wide corner, slot corner, or even in the box or on the defensive line, his skill set translates across positions. DeJean is primed to make an immediate impact from day one.
Should the Packers move up for him?
Green Bay will have elevated expectations compared to their previous campaign. The team requires players who can step onto the field and make an immediate impact from day one. DeJean epitomizes the type of prospect that Brian Gutekunst values. Notably, DeJean addresses one of the Packers’ most pressing needs in the secondary, making him a particularly enticing option.
With 11 selections in this year’s draft, including two picks each in the 2nd and 3rd rounds, the Packers possess substantial ammunition to maneuver and potentially trade up for Cooper DeJean. However, they must contend with NFC rivals such as the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles, who share similar needs in the secondary. This could lead to a bidding war for DeJean’s services.
A realistic scenario could unfold if the Packers decide to move up 9 spots in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. These two franchises have a history of draft day trades, with the most recent occurring in 2018 when the Packers traded up 9 spots to select Jaire Alexander.
Interestingly, in 2024, the Packers find themselves 9 spots below Seattle in the draft order, mirroring the situation from six years ago. The trade value could potentially align similarly to the 2018 trade. Back then, Seattle sent the 18th-overall pick and a seventh-rounder to Green Bay in exchange for pick No. 27, a third-round selection, and a sixth-rounder.
If the opportunity arises and the value presents itself, the Packers should undoubtedly consider moving up for Cooper DeJean. With the chance to learn from top-tier talents such as Jaire Alexander and Xavier McKinney, DeJean would benefit immensely from the guidance of established veterans. Moreover, his addition would provide premium value at a position of need for the Packers, injecting a new level of competitiveness into the defensive backfield.
