Should Cowboys Draft Stephon Gilmore Replacement with 1st-Round Pick of Cooper DeJean?
The Dallas Cowboys defense under Dan Quinn made its name as a unit that takes the ball away for fun. Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland led the NFL in interceptions (2021 and 2023) while the unit also led the NFL in takeaways in 2021 & 2022 as they developed a "knack" for grabbing a turnover.
With Diggs suffering an ACL injury early this season, it was up to Bland, Gilmore, and Jourdan Lewis to get things done on the backend and while they put in some good performances, Diggs was still missed.
Now, with Gilmore entering free agency off the back of offseason shoulder surgery that will require four to six months of rebab, there is a possibility that Gilmore won't be ready come the beginning of next season.
We add that to Diggs' recovery from his ACL and as we know, players are rarely the "same" in their first-year post-injury. As such, CBS Sports has the Cowboys solidifying the cornerback spot by taking another ball hawk in Iowa's Cooper DeJean.
"The ball-hawking DeJean can line up just about anywhere (and he's an asset in the return game, too) and that versatility and rare athleticism are what make him such an enticing prospect," CBS Sports writes.
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Cooper's versatility could prove invaluable as he is equally adept at playing in the slot and can even be moved to safety if needed. He totaled seven interceptions in his last two college seasons which included five (three TDs in 2022).
Given DeJean's speed in open spaces, his physicality, and ball skills, along with superb instincts, he could be a nice addition to the Dallas secondary that already has ball hawks in Bland and Diggs roaming around - they gotta throw it somewhere, right?
With Gilmore no certainty to come back to The Star in 2024 despite his want to, the Cowboys could land one of the best corners in the draft, as we would get to see how Zimmer would utilize his talents.
While the Cowboys have a need at linebacker and to an extent offensive line with Tyron Smith's future up in the air, in this scenario Dallas adds yet another playmaker to a defense brimming with talent as they look to get over the "hump" in the postseason.
