Cooper DeJean gets nod of approval from ex-Alabama HC Nick Saban after huge NFL draft move: "Who can play all 5 positions in the back end" 

Cooper DeJean, the multi-talented defensive back from Iowa, caught the attention of ex-Alabama HC Nick Saban following his selection in the 2024 NFL draft, on Friday.

The Philadelphia Eagles selected DeJean in the second round of the draft with the No. 40 overall pick, a move that Saban publicly approved of. He went so far as to say that DeJean is the only defensive back in the draft who can play all positions:

“Cooper DeJean is the only DB in this draft who can play all 5 positions in the back end,” Saban said, per Tyler Barnes' tweet.

Despite being projected as a first-round pick, DeJean slipped to the second round. However, this setback does not seem to have fazed him. When asked about his preferred position, DeJean simply replied:

"I'm a football player. You put me on the field, and I'm going to play football, whether it's inside, outside, at safety, wherever it is. It's a game I love to play."

Over the last two seasons, as a starting cornerback, he took over 1,100 snaps out wide and over 150 snaps in the slot.

Moreover, DeJean’s physical attributes have also caught the attention of scouts, with a 40-yard dash time of 4.43, a vertical jump of 38.5", and a broad jump of 10'4".

The Eagles acquired C.J. Gardner-Johnson through free agency, drafted cornerback Quinyon Mitchell in the first round and kicked off the second day of selections by picking DeJean.

Cooper DeJean's perspective on position preference

Former Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean talks to the media.

The Philadelphia Eagles' newest draft pick, after being picked on Friday night, said he is ready to get back to playing football after missing the end of last season with a broken fibula.

When asked about his preferred position, DeJean said:

“All I wanted was an opportunity to play. Obviously, there was a little frustration but I’m excited where I’m at.

“Being in Philadelphia, being able to play for a great organization, and I’m excited to get started there, get out there, and get rolling.

“I was getting tired of this pre-draft process,” DeJean added. “So I’m excited to just get back to playing football.”

A former first-team All-American and the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year in 2023, eager to join the Eagles organization and believes that competing in the Big Ten, facing formidable receivers such as Marvin Harrison Jr. from Ohio State, has readied him for the challenges of the NFL.

Cooper DeJean's college stats read 120 tackles, five tackles for loss, seven interceptions (three returned for TDs) and 20 passes defended over three seasons for Iowa.