Cooper DeJean, a former Iowa Hawkeyes cornerback, possesses a unique skill set and athleticism that make him a highly intriguing prospect in the upcoming NFL draft. Evaluators are eager to see how the team that selects him will harness his versatility, given his impressive performances over three seasons in college. DeJean stands out as an anomaly in his own right.
DeJean, a talented cornerback, excels in his position on the field. As a white athlete, DeJean brings a unique perspective to the game as a white cornerback.
According to former NFL cornerback Domonique Foxworth, it is “mind-blowing” to label him as a mere “defensive back” or speculate about a potential move to safety.
According to former NFL player Dominique Foxworth, there seems to be a confirmation bias and inherent bias when it comes to the history of white cornerbacks in the league. He believes that while this issue may not have the same magnitude as the challenges faced by Black quarterbacks, it is still absurd that there hasn’t been a white cornerback in the league.
The New York Giants’ Jason Sehorn, who retired after the 2003 season, stands as the last white cornerback to maintain a consistent starting role.
DeJean’s former college teammate at Iowa, Riley Moss of the Denver Broncos, was drafted as a cornerback in the third round last year. However, he had limited playing time during his rookie season. Another player, Troy Apke, transitioned from safety to cornerback for the Washington Commanders. Despite being on the team for the past three seasons, he has yet to see any action on defense and is currently a free agent.
According to Foxworth, it is absurd to consider white men as an oppressed minority. However, he also believes that it is equally absurd to disregard the fact that there might be a white kid who has the ability to play as a corner in football.
According to Foxworth, young white players who show promise as cornerbacks often end up switching to offense, playing as wide receivers or running backs. A few may stay at the safety position.
DeJean mentioned that he hasn’t had any discussions with teams regarding how his race may impact his position.
“It doesn’t really bother me too much,” he stated confidently during the NFL combine. “I’ll simply go out there and be true to myself. All I need to do is play my game,” he added, displaying a calm and composed demeanor.
Cooper DeJean: cornerback, safety – or both?
After fracturing his fibula during practice in November, leading to him missing Iowa’s last four games, DeJean has been focused on his recovery from surgery. Although he didn’t take part in the Hawkeyes’ pro day on March 18, he has scheduled a workout for April 8, which is 17 days prior to the first round of the draft.
Draft experts have a strong belief that DeJean is likely to be selected at that time and consider him to be one of the top five cornerbacks in his class. Prior to DeJean, Quinyon Mitchell from Toledo and Terrion Arnold from Alabama are the two players in the same position who are expected to be chosen before him. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. stated that the All-American DeJean would be ranked as the top safety. Additionally, DeJean’s versatility extends to special teams, as he was recognized as the Big Ten Returner of the Year in 2023.
According to Kiper Jr., Cooper would have been considered a top-15 player if he had remained healthy throughout the process and the entire year.
It can be quite challenging to predict where he will land in the first round, especially within the range of 19th to the Los Angeles Rams and 25th to the Green Bay Packers, as most mock drafts have him placed in that range.
According to Larry Allen, a distant relative of DeJean and his high school football coach, DeJean possessed natural abilities that set him apart from other kids in Odebolt, Iowa, a small town with a population of approximately 1,000, as per the 2020 census.
DeJean left Allen with little choice but to make a decision about freshmen playing on varsity, as he quickly accumulated 30 yards in penalties on his first defensive play. This included a pass interference and personal foul combo.
According to Allen, these might be the only mistakes he made during his time in high school.
According to Allen, he is not someone who settles for being the top performer on his team or in his local area. Instead, he aspires to be the best in the entire state or even the entire nation.
NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah expressed some concerns about DeJean’s transition to cornerback, mentioning that a pause in his development worries him. However, Jeremiah also acknowledges that DeJean’s versatility allows him to excel in various defensive roles. This versatility is something that draft expert Kiper Jr. appreciates and believes could be the key to DeJean’s success as a cornerback.
According to Jeremiah, the player being considered for the draft is a highly talented athlete with exceptional football instincts and excellent ball skills.
During his sophomore year in 2022, DeJean demonstrated his exceptional skills by intercepting a total of five passes, three of which he successfully returned for touchdowns. In the following season, he continued to make an impact with two additional interceptions and five pass breakups.
According to Jeremiah, it would be a smart move for the team to invite DeJean to their facility and determine how he can contribute most effectively.
DeJean believes that having the ability to play various positions is advantageous.
According to Foxworth, the solution is straightforward: keep DeJean at cornerback and task him with shutting down the opposing team’s best receiver. While DeJean may not have much experience playing man coverage, the idea of deploying him as a nickelback or safety against teams with numerous offensive threats is tempting.
“He possesses the size, strength, and physicality to excel as a safety,” expressed Foxworth. “Considering the direction the league is heading, having a safety with his capabilities could prove immensely beneficial.”
“But we haven’t witnessed such a conversation for other individuals.”
‘Novelty’ and evaluating biases
During an episode of Bomani Jones’ podcast “The Right Time” on December 1, 2023, Foxworth promptly highlighted a mistake made by his ESPN colleague, Field Yates. Instead of referring to DeJean as a cornerback (CB), Yates mistakenly labeled him as a defensive back (DB).
During their playful conversation, Foxworth jokingly referred to DeJean as the “Lamar Jackson” of a certain group of trolls. This comparison draws parallels to the Baltimore Ravens quarterback who proved his critics wrong and went on to win two MVP awards, despite facing doubts about his ability to play in a different position.
According to Foxworth, comparing Jackson’s passing abilities to DeJean’s cornerback skills may not have been the most accurate comparison. He points out that Jackson needed to work on refining his passing abilities when he entered the league. However, it’s worth noting that DeJean’s approach to playing cornerback is not significantly different from other elite corners.
According to Foxworth, there is an undeniable bias towards players based on their appearance. He suggests that both Lamar and Cooper have faced criticism and judgment due to their looks. Foxworth believes that some people struggle to accept players who do not conform to traditional stereotypes of what an athlete should look like.
When it comes to discussions about race, bias, and disparity, they can often carry negative connotations. However, this is not the case when it comes to DeJean and white cornerbacks.
According to Foxworth, this is more of a novelty than anything else.
According to Foxworth, intentional or not, bias ultimately leads to harm. This is because preconceived notions that have the potential to influence decisions are never advantageous.
According to Foxworth, there may be white kids who had the potential to become NFL cornerbacks, but they were overlooked because people didn’t see them as such. He believes that it is unnecessary to organize a fundraiser or campaign to advocate for white cornerbacks.
Foxworth has found it enjoyable to talk about DeJean during the pre-draft process because it opens up a broader conversation that people are more willing to engage in. There are some individuals who may grow weary of hearing about the unfairness of the world for others, and they may even question the validity of such claims.
According to Foxworth, it is undeniable that there are biases present when looking at the situation. He also adds that if one were to examine the history of the position, excluding Cooper, it becomes apparent that biases exist.
During rookie minicamp last year, Moss, who is DeJean’s former college teammate and a corner for the Broncos, was asked about his experience being the only white corner in the league.
“It’s absolutely mind-boggling,” Moss exclaimed. “When all is said and done, your ability to perform the job should be the sole determining factor.”
Cooper DeJean’s Unique Path as a White NFL Cornerback: Defying Labels
Cooper DeJean, a standout player from Iowa, is set to make a name for himself in the NFL as a white cornerback. His journey is anything but ordinary, and labeling him proves to be a challenge.
In a league where diversity is celebrated, DeJean’s position as a white cornerback sets him apart. While it’s not unheard of for white players to excel in other positions, such as quarterbacks or kickers, it’s still rare to see them as cornerbacks. However, DeJean’s remarkable skills and determination have earned him a spot on the radar of NFL teams.
DeJean’s success as a cornerback can be attributed to his relentless work ethic and passion for the game. He has spent countless hours honing his skills, studying film, and perfecting his technique. His dedication has paid off, as he has consistently showcased his abilities on the field.
Despite his undeniable talent, DeJean still faces skepticism and doubt from some critics who question his ability to compete at the highest level. However, he remains focused and determined to prove himself. He is aware of the challenges that lie ahead but is undeterred in his pursuit of success.
DeJean’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes who may not fit the typical mold. He is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work, showing that talent knows no boundaries, and success can be achieved regardless of societal expectations.
As DeJean prepares to make his mark in the NFL, he will undoubtedly face unique challenges and scrutiny. However, his determination and passion for the game will continue to drive him forward. Cooper DeJean stands as a reminder that labels do not define a player’s worth, and he is ready to prove himself on the field, regardless of any preconceived notions.
