Green Bay Packers Are Expected to Take Playmaker From Three Competitors

Just two seasons after trading away potential Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers have an opportunity to establish themselves as a serious Super Bowl contender. In 2023, Jordan Love and his incredibly youthful but skilled crew of weapons made waves in the league.

The goal of the off-season will be to improve the defense to championship level. An all-new defensive coaching staff was brought to Green Bay by new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. One that will demand more of the defense than what’s been demonstrated recently.

One addition that may assist the defense in doing just that is circulating.
The Green Bay Packers are expected to surpass several competitors in order to acquire defensive Cooper DeJean (3), a defensive back for Iowa, returns a punt.

on Saturday, October 21, 2023 in Iowa City at Kinnick Stadium. The punt was then called back after review determined that DeJean fair-caught it, even though he had returned it for a touchdown. Copyright Lily Smith/USA TODAY NETWORK/The Register
On Saturday, October 21, 2023, in Iowa City, at Kinnick Stadium, defensive back Cooper DeJean (3) of Iowa catches a punt. The punt was then called back after review determined that DeJean fair-caught it, even though he had returned it for a touchdown. Copyright Lily Smith/USA TODAY NETWORK/The Register
Pro Football Focus’s Brad Spielberger outlined the ways in which the Packers could snatch Cooper DeJean away from several opponents:

The Green Bay Packers and the Miami Dolphins trade up to the 21st position for Iowa CB Cooper Dejean.
Terms of trade: Pick No. 21 goes to the Packers; Dolphins

earn a third-round pick in 2025 along with Picks Nos. 25 and 169.

The Philadelphia Eagles at No. 22, the Minnesota Vikings (who presently own the No. 23 overall pick), and the Dallas Cowboys at No. 24 are three teams that the Packers pass on because they are weak defensive backs.

In his brief career, general manager of the Packers Brian Gutekunst has already traded up in the first round twice for defensive backs, signing safety Darnell Savage and cornerback Jaire Alexander.

With this acquisition, Green Bay may have added the class’s most adaptable defensive back. Given the health concerns surrounding 2021 first-round CB Eric Stokes, DeJean may replace Jaire Alexander as the starting outside cornerback.

Additionally, he may provide as insurance in case Alexander insists on going elsewhere for a trade, which doesn’t seem feasible

an insurmountable task, or he may position himself at safety with splash acquisition safety Xavier McKinney, a free agency.

A tier-one athlete, DeJean will have some return responsibilities with Iowa in 2023. Against Minnesota, DeJean scored a stunning punt return touchdown. He fielded the ball off a bounce, swerved to avoid a tackler, and ran for what would have been a game-winning touchdown if there hadn’t been a penalty.

DeJean has seven interceptions in his career as a defender and has given up completion percentages below 50% and passer ratings below 50.0 when targeted in each of the last two seasons.

Cooper DeJean Would Provide A Huge Boost To The Packers Secondary
Sep. 16, 2023; Iowa City, USA; September 16 Cooper DeJean (3), a defensive back for the Hawkeyes, returns a punt.

in the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium versus the Western Michigan Broncos. Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Jeff Becker
September 16, 2023, Iowa City, USA In the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium, defensive back Cooper DeJean (3) of the Iowa Hawkeyes returns a punt against the Western Michigan Broncos. Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Jeff Becker
For the Packers’ defense, adding a young, adaptable weapon like Cooper DeJeanw would be crucial. Two of the greatest players in the game at their positions are Xavier McKinney and Jaire Alexander. The addition of DeJean, his ability to absorb knowledge from those with experience, and his adaptability are just what new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley needs.

It would only be beneficial to remove him from the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys.