Cooper DeJean to Packers in Several New NFL Mock Drafts
GREEN BAY, Wis. – With the first waves of NFL free agency complete, here is a fresh batch of mock drafts. For the Green Bay Packers, Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean was a popular pick before free agency. With just more than five weeks until the NFL Draft, that remains true.
Chicago Tribune: Iowa DB Cooper DeJean
Bears beat writer Brad Biggs went with the versatile playmaker who is seen as an option at cornerback, slot and safety.
“The Packers changed defensive coordinators and replaced safety Darnell Savage with a splash signing of Xavier McKinney,” Biggs wrote. “DeJean would provide coverage flexibility and can play safety, nickel or cornerback. This is provided he runs well at Iowa’s pro day.”
He was the pick over offensive linemen Graham Barton and Tyler Guyton, who will get a mention later.
NBC Sports: Iowa DB Cooper DeJean
Adding DeJean alongside Xavier McKinney “feels unfair,” Connor Rogers wrote.
Mel Kiper's pick for the Packers was on the board; six offensive tackles were taken.
Sports Illustrated: Iowa DB Cooper DeJean
Luke Easterling didn’t provide any explanations in this mock, which was updated after the Vikings gained a second first-round pick after making a trade with the Texans. That’s OK; we provided enough explanation in the preceding paragraphs.
In two years as a starter, in which the vast majority of his snaps came at corner, PFF charged him with a 48.3 percent completion percentage allowed and two touchdowns vs. seven interceptions. He’s tall and athletic, and he can cover and tackle.
Pro Football Network: Iowa DB Cooper DeJean
Lorenzo Reyna thought DeJean would become a “fan favorite.” While he can play cornerback and safety, Reyna thought safety would be his best spot.
Walter Football (4 Rounds): Iowa DB Cooper DeJean
In an updated mock, the Packers stuck with DeJean as the player to line up alongside Jaire Alexander at cornerback or Xavier McKinney at safety.
Defense was the theme in the second round with Alabama edge Chris Braswell and Minnesota safety Tyler Nubin, who was called “physical and instinctive.” After posting eight sacks and three forced fumbles in 2023, Braswell ran his 40 in 4.60 seconds at 251 pounds. Nubin is the Gophers’ career leader with 13 interceptions, including five as a senior.
The third round was headlined by Michigan running back Blake Corum, who would challenge the “horrible” AJ Dillon. In the fourth round, the choice was Penn State cornerback Kalen King, who had a bad Scouting Combine but allowed just one touchdown the last two years.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Duke OL Graham Barton
Bucs beat writer Scott Smith said Barton would replace right guard Jon Runyan “in short order.” Barton started five games at center as a freshman before moving out to left tackle for his final three seasons. He allowed two sacks each of his final two seasons. With his 32 7/8-inch arms, guard or center is projected to be his best spot in the NFL.
“Each team approaches it differently,” Barton said at the Scouting Combine. “Some, I can kind of tell it's more center-focused. Some directly have asked me where I'd be comfortable. I think I can line up in all five spots and contribute to a team in a big way.”
The Ringer: Duke OL Graham Barton
In an updated mock by Ben Solak, the Packers landed Barton. “The Packers’ young and talented offense gets even younger and talented-er with the addition of Barton.” He was compared to Mitch Morse, a Pro Bowler in 2022 who has started 126 games in nine seasons for the Chiefs and Bills.
CBS: Washington OT Troy Fautanu
Will Brinson said offensive line isn’t a “pressing need,” apparently unaware that Green Bay’s backups include only one player, Royce Newman, who logged even a single offensive snap in 2023. Can Fautanu challenge Rasheed Walker at left tackle? Or is he destined to play guard? Either way, Green Bay’s offensive line is a pressing need and Fautanu’s a top prospect with big-time athleticism.
USA Today: Oklahoma OT Tyler Guyton
Nate Davis was aware that the Packers have lost David Bakhtiari and Jon Runyan this offseason. Enter Guyton, who would bring “high-end potential and flexibility” to the line. Guyton started a game at H-back at TCU in 2021 before moving on to Oklahoma. He started 14 games with the Sooners. In 2023, 661 of his 662 snaps came at right tackle, where he allowed zero sacks.
Iowa’s DeJean was among the players on the board.
