Brugler Among Post-Combine Mocks Picking Cooper DeJean for Packers
GREEN BAY, Wis. – With the Scouting Combine complete, a bunch of fresh mock drafts have been unveiled, including big ones from The Athletic, ESPN and NFL.com.
Here are 10.
The Athletic: Iowa DB Cooper DeJean
In his post-Combine mock draft, The Athletic’s esteemed Dane Brugler sent Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean to the Green Bay Packers in his second mock draft.
DeJean is regularly mocked to the Packers, which Brugler acknowledged in calling this a “very unoriginal” selection. But DeJean can “legitimately” play cornerback and safety – two key needs for the Packers – because he’s got the speed for coverage and the toughness to improve the run defense.
The Packers need help on the offensive line; they could have had Duke’s Graham Barton, Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton and Arizona’s Jordan Morgan.
For the rest of the picks – including the dynamic duo selected by the Chicago Bears and the quarterback selected by the Minnesota Vikings – click here.
ESPN.com (2 Rounds): Iowa DB Cooper DeJean
With the ability to play in the slot and safety, the Iowa star could fill multiple roles, Jordan Reid wrote. Of note, DeJean had five interceptions in 2022 and two more in 2023 for a total of seven. The Packers were next-to-last in the NFL with seven interceptions in 2023.
With the second-round picks, it was off to Texas. With new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley installing a 4-3 defense, the Packers will need another linebacker. Enter Texas A&M’s Edgerrin Cooper, who Reid would put at middle linebacker and flank with Quay Walker.
The second of the second-rounders was spent on Texas running back Jonathon Brooks, who said he’ll be ready for training camp following a torn ACL. He’s not a power back but he forced a lot of missed tackles. Brooks would pair with Aaron Jones in 2024 before potentially taking over the backfield in 2025.
SB Nation: Iowa DB Cooper DeJean
The athletic playmaker “can truly do it all,” wrote Joseph Acosta in picking DeJean ahead of Clemson’s rocket-fast Nate Wiggins.
College Sports Wire: Iowa DB Cooper DeJean
DeJean has one of the highest floors for any defensive back in the draft, Ryan Roberts wrote.
The Score: Iowa DB Cooper DeJean
Whether it’s cornerback or safety, DeJean’s playmaking ability will be highly valued, wrote Dan Wilkins and Dave Belbeck.
NFL.com: Duke OL Graham Barton
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein beefed up the offensive line with Duke’s Graham Barton, the “most talented” interior blocker in this year’s draft. Barton was a standout left tackle in college, but his NFL home will be center or guard. For now, he’d push Sean Rhyan, the 2022 third-round pick who played well in split playing time down the stretch, and could replace 2022 second-rounder Josh Myers at center in 2025.
Iowa’s Cooper DeJean was on the board.
Click here for the rest of the picks, including the Bears’ future quarterback-receiver tandem.
Pro Football Network: Duke OL Graham Barton
Longtime NFL writer Adam Caplan noted David Bakhtiari’s uncertain future in picking a guard/center.
CBS Sports: Missouri CB Ennis Rakestraw
Rakestraw plays “much bigger” and stronger than his 183-pound frame would suggest, Ryan Wilson wrote. True, but his poor combination of size and athleticism could take him off the board.
Rakestraw was the choice over three offensive linemen.
Los Angeles Times: Miami S Kamren Kinchens
Speaking of players who might be off the board, the Times’ exceptional NFL writer, Sam Farmer, went with the safety with the worst testing numbers at the Combine.
Bleacher Report: Miami S Kamren Kinchens
Kinchens is a rather unique story. He was a superb player in college with 11 interceptions during his final two seasons. Was his workout just a bad day at the office, or is there some serious concerns about the range of a player who will be tasked with going sideline to sideline?
As part of a much larger summation, Cory Giddings wrote: “Kinchens was another defensive back who didn't run particularly well in Indianapolis but stood out as a smooth athlete during the on-field workouts. If he can improve his time (4.65 seconds) and run faster during his pro day, any questions about his first-round status will be silenced.”
