Iowa CB Cooper DeJean Declares for 2024 NFL Draft After Earning All-America Honors

Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean has declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, he announced on social media Thursday afternoon.

DeJean, who spent three season at Iowa, was given All-American honors after an outstanding year. He is the No. 13 overall prospect on ESPN's Mel Kiper's 2024 NFL Draft big board.

This season, DeJean notched 41 tackles and a pair of interceptions, helping lead Iowa's top-10 nationally-ranked defense. In his career, he recorded 120 tackles, seven interceptions and 13 pass deflections.

His best season came in 2022, when he notched 55 total tackles, five interceptions and three defensive touchdowns. His 2023 season was cut short in early November after he suffered a lower-leg injury that kept him sidelined for Iowa's final two games of the regular season and the postseason.

With DeJean heading to the next level, Iowa certainly takes a hit on defense. It will be tough to match the star cornerback's production next season, and the Hawkeyes will certainly feel his absence.

The Hawkeyes are coming off a solid 10-4 season that saw them win the Big Ten West and reach the Big Ten Championship, where they lost to Michigan. Iowa lost to Tennessee in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl earlier this week.

Iowa's struggles on offense were evident this season, but the Hawkeyes made up for it on defense. With DeJean on his way out, they'll need someone to step up if they want to match their defensive success in 2024.