The jump to the NFL from college can take some time and be a big adjustment for some players as the game is bigger, stronger, and faster than the collegiate style of play.
For others, they hit the ground running and make an instant impact. Former Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back and unanimous All-American Cooper DeJean is the latter.
In his rookie year with the Philadelphia Eagles, DeJean has been an impact player since he set foot in Philly. His strong play in his rookie season sees him named a finalist for the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in the NFL.
The finalists for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year! #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/sULpgAsMsO
— NFL (@NFL) January 23, 2025
Cooper DeJean has tallied 51 total tackles on the year, as well as a forced fumble and three fumble recoveries. As he did at Iowa, DeJean has returned punts for the Eagles totaling 211 punt return yards on 21 attempts.
In one of the biggest steals of the 2024 NFL draft, DeJean somehow slid into the second round and fell into the Eagles’ laps with the 40th overall pick after many projected him to be off the board in the first round.
After a career at Iowa that saw him become a unanimous All-American and the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year in 2023, Cooper DeJean seems poised to continue his play at the NFL level.
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