Iowa Star Cooper DeJean A Popular NFL Mock Draft Target for Rams.
The Los Angeles Rams are coming off of a bounce-back season in which they improved from 5-12 in 2022, to 10-7 and a playoff berth in 2023.
And with so many new young impact players on the roster on top of their key veterans, as well as ample draft capital and cap space heading into the offseason, it seems that there is nowhere to go but up for L.A.
Speaking of draft capital, the Rams will pick in Round 1 of the NFL Draft for the first time since 2016 this spring.
In that slot, there are many different directions the Rams could take, with needs in the offensive and defensive lines, linebacker group, tight end and elsewhere all on the table.
However, the biggest needs might be in the secondary. And according to 33rd Team that is exactly where the Rams will go, with the site mocking L.A. to pick Iowa star cornerback Cooper DeJean at No. 19.
Lily Smith/The Register-USA TODAY NETWORK
"There are few fits in this draft I feel as strongly about as Cooper DeJean to the Los Angeles Rams," The 33rd Team wrote. "The Rams need a lot of help on defense, especially in the secondary, and DeJean is a perfect fit. DeJean has high-end traits at cornerback but can be used as a defensive chess piece playing all over the field for new defensive coordinator Chris Shula."
Last season, DeJean was one of the best defensive players in college football, tallying 41 tackles, two interceptions and five pass breakups in 10 games. He also did not allow a touchdown in 388 snaps of coverage.
However, that's not where his versatility ends.
DeJean is also an elite punt and kick returner, averaging 11.5 yards on punt returns and scoring a 70-yard touchdown against Michigan State. He also had score called back against Minnesota, in what was one of the most controversial plays of the college football season.
ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper ranked DeJean at No. 12 on his big board, while many other draft analysts seem to have the Iowa star as a lock to be a first or second-round pick - some of which have already mocked him to L.A.
So how does he fit with the Rams?
L.A. had one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL in 2023, ranking 25th in the league and giving up 255 yards per game.
Not to mention, corners Ahkello Witherspoon and Duke Shelley, and safeties Jordan Fuller and John Johnson are all set to hit free agency, leaving gaping holes in the secondary.
On top of it all, the Rams also struggled on special teams, and were never a real threat in the return game all year, meaning adding DeJean to the mix there would also pay huge dividends.
Many would argue that it is never a good idea to draft based solely on need. And that very well may be true.
But in the case of DeJean, not only would he fill multiple holes for the Rams, but he also might very well be the best player on the board when the Rams get on the clock.
