Cory's Corner: Cooper DeJean Begins With Eric Stokes
The best corner in this draft can be a Packer only if Green Bay makes the right decision on a fifth-year option.
Cooper DeJean or bust?
The answer lies with Eric Stokes.
The Packers must have a tough decision to make with regards to the 29th overall pick in the NFL Draft. This past season the cornerback only played three games with hamstring issues and that was after he only played nine games in 2022.
And what’s worse is that 2022 was Stokes’ worst season as a pro. He couldn’t stop the run, his tackling was atrocious with a missed tackle percentage of 16.
What the Packers have to decide is if they have seen enough of Stokes. If they want to see more, they have until May 2 to activate his fifth-year option.
I’ve seen enough. Stokes has only played 12 games the last two seasons and hasn’t really sparked since his rookie season. Can he be a dynamic corner in this league? I think he most definitely can, but can the Packers wait or hope that he can play an entire season while the Packers have proven that they are currently able to win right now?
Which is where DeJean comes in. If DeJean lands to the Packers at 25, that would be quite a coup. On March 14, the Packers signed one of the best safeties in the league in Xavier McKinney and just over a month later, Green Bay has a chance of making the secondary a lock-down strength.
How strange is that? A few months ago, there weren't many people that were saying that. The Packers traded away Rasul Douglas, Jaire Alexander wasn’t happy about the defensive direction and Stokes couldn’t get on the field.
Adding DeJean would put a stranglehold on the back end of the defense and it would also allow a world of possibilities for new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. He could rush the passer more, without worrying about coverage.
DeJean sustained a fractured fibula on Nov. 15 and there’s a good chance that he makes it to No. 25. Many have said that DeJean is the No. 1 corner in this draft. Having one of the best safeties in the league and the top corner in a draft is nothing shy of amazing.
And if the Packers get DeJean in the first round, they still have ammo left to bolster the offensive line in the second or third round.
So drafting DeJean isn’t just about DeJean. It’s also about Stokes. The Packers have to be willing to let go of the past before they can move ahead with the future. That isn’t an easy thing to do, but it’s a necessary evil for teams that are a whisper away from a Super Bowl.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (66)
NickPerry
April 16, 2024 at 06:29 am
IMO there's no way they exercise the 5th year option. Why? As Cory mentioned and we've all watched Stokes not play. When he has played he's sucked. IF Stokes was able to put together a decent season this year and they want to keep him then fine. In 2025 Stakes 5th year option is $12,472,000...Please NO to that Gute.
Draft DeJean, grab a few O-Linemen, a CB, and an Edge or interior D-Lineman and it's a beautiful first few days of the draft. I'd like to see them draft a guy Like Chop Robinson, something they don't have. One of those "Twitchy" guys whose bodies bend around an edge and OT in ways ways we haven't seen since CMIII.
I can't wait until the draft!
Guam
April 16, 2024 at 07:24 am
Health is Stokes biggest issue. Stokes has to be available to play if he wants a career in the NFL.
Regarding the quality of his play, I don't know how much of that was Stokes fault and how much of it was Barry's defense. Stokes has all the skills of a press man corner and Barry had him playing in a read-and-react zone which was an atrocious use of Stokes skill set. I am hoping for a revival of Stokes career under a DC that likes and uses press man coverage.
Coldworld
April 16, 2024 at 07:59 am
Stokes, when he was drafted, was seen as perhaps the best pure press perimeter prospect (but more limited than other early prospects by style and time needed), but as someone who would struggle if he couldn’t play tight and use his length and speed to go after the catch point.
In year one Barry’s D played that way. In year 2, other than one game in which Stokes played well, Barry had him playing off, exactly what he’s neither experienced in or athletically obviously suited to. It went as predicted and then he got injured. It shouldn’t be a surprise, it won’t have surprised most analysts.
If Stokes is healthy and retains his athleticism, then he’s an obvious candidate to benefit from and help what I understand to be a Hafley D. Let’s hope that is true.
They won’t trigger his option. It’s prohibitive at this point in amount and in being fully guaranteed. They will let him play and resign him if the results merit it in terms of play and availability.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 16, 2024 at 09:17 am
+1
Stokes is an amazing athlete. Can he become even a solid football player?
I hope so. Every season is a "prove it" scenario, for every player. It's become a cliche. Every game is. Every DOWN is! Of course Stokes needs to prove it. Of course GB would be better if he can.
None of this is related to drafting CDJ, the team would ideally have him, and Stokes playing better than ever. There's no downside to that.
golfpacker1
April 16, 2024 at 09:06 am
Not trying to be negative Nick, but I have read multiple articles about players predicted to be busts in the 2024 draft, and Chop has been at the top of the list multiple times. We have a good core of Edge rushers now unless GBs plan is to trade Preston Smith. If we don't, then DT and Edge are the 2 big needs in 2025.
Stokes being MIA the last 2 years is a huge problem that I hope turns into a good story this year along with Sean Rhyan reaching his potential. Those would be really great outcomes for the Packers.
For everyone who wants to use a Day 1 or Day 2 pick on a DT or Edge, BOTH of those position groups are strengths on the team already, Let's instead turn the last couple of position group weaknesses into strengths this year by using the first 5 picks wisely. If we do that we will have one of the most complete, albeit young teams in the NFL
The 2025 draft classes @ DT and Edge are both strong and deep. That's when we add 2 studs with our first 2 picks and get 2 gamechangers.
Alberta_Packer
April 16, 2024 at 01:03 pm
I think that Stokes may be an addendum this year - not part of the Team's main story.
I have more hope for Rhyan - who after an arduous learning curve - can make that 2nd year leap - although in his 3rd.
As for Edge and DT - I agree - the team is adequately stocked. Yet I do wonder what would Gutekunst's decision be should Murphy, Newton, Verse or Latu be available at 25?
Cheezehead72
April 16, 2024 at 06:30 am
If Gute gives Stokes the 5th year option I will be calling for him to get fired. Yes Stokes can be a good player again but you are only good if you are on the field. If you want to keep Stokes give him a low one year or two year offer and if he does not take it show him the door after the season.
T7Steve
April 16, 2024 at 06:53 am
That's what I was thinking CH72.
Like they did with Love, sign Stokes to a prove it extension that he'd be happy for, given his health and play situations, then you have depth and trade opportunities instead of an expensive 5th year deal,
If Stokes comes out of his shell under the new DC, then it opens chances of all sorts of future deals that could even include J.A.
It's kind of hopeful thinking that Cooper's going to fall in our lap, but there's others and one is needed, regardless of who it turns out to be.
Cheezehead72
April 16, 2024 at 07:15 am
I agree except I do not look at Love's contract as a prove it deal. I view it more as a salary cap saving deal. Instead of being on the hook for the 5th year option they offered a deal to save salary cap room. The Packers did good to Love and Love did good to the Packers. That is something we did not see in the QB position in a long time.
T7Steve
April 16, 2024 at 07:43 am
I hope he does it with the new deal coming up too. He doesn't have to, but it would be in his best interests. Just getting a huge amount at signing is the best to get that money working.
It was kind of a prove it deal. If he'd been playing all three years, he would have had to been given the 5th year or much bigger extension like he's going to sign shortly.
I know they treated him respectfully, and it was a two way street.
stockholder
April 16, 2024 at 07:02 am
Cooper DeJean is the pick.
There are so many good OL
in this draft.
You can bolster it throughout.
And what is a second when they can
Block ,tackle, or just are football players,
Untylu1968
April 16, 2024 at 07:16 am
You're spot on, but I'm doubtful on DeJean being there. He just seems like that guy/footballer that everyone wants and needs on their team. Plus, he's the guy I want the most, so it'll never happen!
jannesbjornson
April 16, 2024 at 10:48 am
Two CBs at minimum from this draft. See if Stokes makes the cut-down after Summer Session. Get Better.
stockholder
April 16, 2024 at 11:18 am
But Gute traded Douglass.
Stokes has to make the cut.
Gute stated back 7 work.
Everyone knew the safety play
was bad vs. SF.
So why isolate a CB when S would
set his draft.
I for one would not want DeJean in enemy hands.
There is No depth at safety.
A cb only will improve the depth.
It doesn't make them shut-down.
jannesbjornson
April 16, 2024 at 11:40 am
Q. Mitchell is shut-down. I am talking about reality. They have Jaire and some backups, unless Stokes finds the miracle cure. He went into 2023 with scrubs at the safety position, including Savage. He has to get a guy who can contain the perimeter and not be a lightweight. He either hits on a safety in rd three to run with McKinney, or bags another veteran free agent. The Douglas move was a fiasco.
stockholder
April 16, 2024 at 11:48 am
Mitchell will require a trade up.
Do you want him or not?
There have been too many scrubs since 2010.
jannesbjornson
April 16, 2024 at 12:10 pm
The Big Boy question. I would move on him if he gets past #12.
jannesbjornson
April 16, 2024 at 01:21 pm
OK. Move #25 and 2025 # 0ne for #14. Follow the Rams model.
#14 Q. Mitchell CB Toledo
#47 Copper Beebe OG K State
#58 Calen Bullock S USC
#88 Matt Goncalves OT Pitt
#91 B. Coleman OG TCU
#107 M. Mustapha SS Wake
#126 Jaylan Ford MLB Texas
#169 Gabe Murphy Edge UCLA
#180 Rasheen Ali RB Marshall
#219 Jordan McGee SLB Temple
#245 Luke McCaffey WR Rice
Hafley sound like a three safety sets type of guy with Bullock really a nickel CB.
Coldworld
April 16, 2024 at 12:33 pm
Mitchell would be great, but the chances are not much better than a lottery jackpot that he comes within reach. DeJean is not Mitchell, he’s a face the QB guy with great instincts and a willing tackler, but he’s not got elite flexibility or outside speed. He’s best in off and zone, like Douglas. Neither fit a Hafley O as well as a Barry one.
He’d be a great slot, but I’m not picking a slot in round one with our needs. He might be a FS, in fact that might be his ideal long term position, but we just signed the best in the league. Again, I’m not drafting to double up on a strength in round one.
Dejean is a less credible SS in a Hafley D. He’s much smaller even than the guys Hafley used in college. There are better, more proven SS types, even in a weak safety draft. I’d rather have Nixon there than Dejean, but he’s not ideal either. Again, the Nixon Dejean switch might make sense if Dejean was in round 3, but I’d rather go with a number of later options like Taylor later on and address the trenches and ILB.
Boneman
April 16, 2024 at 07:07 am
The Packers are very forgiving when it comes to the 5th year options. Recently we gave both Savage and King their 5th years even though the popular opinion was to move on. I think it is equal parts based on their original convictions and the track record of taking care of their own players. I predict they will exercise the 5th year option on Stokes if he checks out as healthy with the Team doctors.
Cheezehead72
April 16, 2024 at 07:24 am
King was picked in the 2nd so he was not eligible for the 5th year option. King accepted a one year 6 million dollar contract in 2021. He was signed because we had very little veteran experience at CB and we had just drafted Stokes.
Coldworld
April 16, 2024 at 08:15 am
Savage was forced on them to a certain extent by the backwash of trying to stay contenders and the lack of any other depth and a complete lack of cap. Could we have got a better S for what that one year cost in cap terms? Debatable at best if certainly possible (and what I wanted), but they went with what they knew over that gamble and then cut their losses.
GregC
April 16, 2024 at 07:07 am
I haven't heard anyone say DeJean is the top CB in this draft. He's considered to be a DB, with his exact position undetermined, but he is more likely to be a safety than a CB. There are a couple of CBs (Quinyon Mitchell, Terrion Arnold) who most people expect to be taken ahead of DeJean anyway.
As for Stokes, he's a boundary CB, which is the one thing that DeJean is unlikely to be in the NFL, so I don't think these two players have much to do with each other. And there's nothing controversial about the decision on whether or not to give Stokes the fifth year option. The answer is an easy no.
TKWorldWide
April 16, 2024 at 09:05 am
Same page! The CHTV Draft Guide has DeJean as the #2 corner. It also mentions he played less than 25% in press-man but excels in off-man and zone.
Stokes was SUPPOSED TO be an elite press-man cover guy coming out of Georgia. He was “pretty good” as a rookie and since then he’s been hurt. (Which sucks.) I’d love to know what GB thinks of him, such as, “he’s always hurt so anything we get from him is a bonus”, or, “let’s see him play press-man when he’s 100% healthy”.
After all that, my take is DeJean is gone by 25, and if GB is so sold on him they probably have the ammo to go get him. Shutdown corners are a premium. A multiple, swiss army knife defender is great to have as well. It all depends on teams’ evaluations and how the draft falls.
I think we can all agree that GB is well armed to have a great draft (which cannot arrive soon enough!)
GPG!
golfpacker1
April 16, 2024 at 09:14 am
Greg, if you would have actually seen DeJean play, you would not be so dismissive of his ability to play CB. Stokes was overdrafted the year we picked him. Unless he has a strong bounce back year, he will look more and more like a bust. Either way, no to the 5th year extension. Instead offer a 2 year lower dollar contract with most of it performance bonuses based on playing games.
DeJean had a great Iowa workout day and wowed the scouts in every drill. Stokes was faster and that's about the only thing he was better at. And Stokes doesn't play Safety or return kicks .
GregC
April 16, 2024 at 11:53 am
It's encouraging to hear that from someone who got to see DeJean play regularly. Or at least it would be encouraging if the Packers actually drafted him. I didn't mean to be dismissive, I was just thinking in terms of best fit, and admittedly my info all comes from others.
Alberta_Packer
April 16, 2024 at 12:16 pm
I have come to realize that a normal CJJ article - is one that leads with a hyperbolic, puzzling or absurd headline. All meant to provoke (I'm sure) a larger response - whether + / - from the readership. And it seems to work - so good for CJJ. While for the commenters, it can provide , at times, some stimulating discussions. Which is good for us.
Coldworld
April 16, 2024 at 07:47 am
These two players are as different as two CBS can be.
Stokes is a tall, fast, press perimeter corner. Dejean is a muscled up frame guy with ball skills but stiffer than ideal on the perimeter and without elite speed for that position.
Thus this premise ignores who either player is. Yes, Dejean can play outside if forced, but that’s not his best projection and not ideal. He’s better inside as a dual pass/run player facing the QB and projects best to zone. He’s a slot and potentially as FS.
Almost no one credible has him as the best true corner, or even player labeled a corner in this draft, other than PFF and that’s not for his merits as a perimeter prospect. There are 3 or 4 projected ahead of him consistently (at least 2 of which clearly seem valid). There are better perimeter Stokes replacement candidates projected after him in round 2. He is the most favored slot DB and potentially a high-odds FS conversion choice.
If Stokes can’t return to his athleticism and health of his rookie year, there are several better prospects to directly replace him. If we need a slot, then Dejean is relevant. If we need a new Stokes specifically he’d be a foolish pick to go with.
This piece shows a complete failure to grasp the core attributes of either player. Its conclusions are therefore nonsensical.
MooPack
April 16, 2024 at 09:20 am
This
SicSemperTyrannis
April 16, 2024 at 09:30 am
I think Cory enjoys there being no downvote button for articles, and writing specifically to generate comments. Like the troubled yout who will do anything to get attention of any sort, good or bad.
The equivalent in marketing is known as "emotional response." Do you remember the TV ads by H&R Block that were outrageously annoying? This was one of the early examples of a big company using this strategy and having it WORK.
stockholder
April 16, 2024 at 11:29 am
It's not best corner. It's shut down corner.
The only thing you're going to get is a guy sitting the bench.
CW where do we pick? Why is DeJean in the top 25?
Coldworld
April 16, 2024 at 12:41 pm
At corner you pick Mitchell, he’s the one truly credible shut down outside corner prospect I see in round one. Otherwise it’s a lineman or trade back. I would not trade up for even Mitchell though.
We have 20 roster spots open, need depth as well as competition. The opportunity cost price is too high with guys like Melton as alternatives. Drafting 13 still leaves 7 UDFA spots to fill, even if we keep the current very back end after the draft.
Take a perimeter corner round 2/3, a slot/nickel type later. They are easier to find than true perimeter players and available in this draft for depth and development. Focus on the IOL, LB and S in between. OL is very deep in this draft, don’t lose that opportunity when it fits both a talent and numerical need.
I like DeJean as a player. I think he will be good. I do not like him as a first pick fit with Hafley or with the current roster post McKinney. I hope he goes to the AFC. I think we get better with a good pick at other positions.
PatrickGB
April 16, 2024 at 08:22 am
New coaches, new training staff, I have hope.
gsd3
April 16, 2024 at 08:25 am
One doesn't have anything to do with the other.
mrtundra
April 16, 2024 at 08:28 am
DeJean won't get past Philadelphia, at pick 22. Let's talk about OL guys. I like Barton, at #25.
Untylu1968
April 16, 2024 at 08:46 am
I'm guessing corner at #25, and two Oline in the next four picks, with a LB sprinkled in there somewhere.? Just a guess!
golfpacker1
April 16, 2024 at 09:19 am
We shouldn't absolutely fall in love with any one player. If we miss on DeJean or Barton @ #25, that is so early in the draft that there are plenty of great players still available then or trade back because it doesn't hurt us filling our biggest needs with upgrade players. And we gain more mid round picks. WIN-WIN.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 16, 2024 at 09:39 am
I think you just explained why Gutey is GM and we are not.
I fully expect he hated losing #33 as much as we did. I think he then realized that the RB market is now better (for RBs) than it was last year, and covered that position ASAP. Even if he had to overpay a little. I don't think either he nor #33 planned this outcome, they just negotiated as best they could. Just as one example.
I fully believe that whatever emotional attachment Gutey might develop for one single player or draft prospect, he can put that on ice and move on when needed. It's his job. I think he takes his professionalism seriously.
I also think he must be enjoying sifting through the current possibilities, like a kid trying to choose which Christmas present to open first! It's an exciting time to be a Packer fan, even with no game for the last 3 months and week 1 still 5 months away. (Football math never adds up, LOL)
Coldworld
April 16, 2024 at 04:49 pm
Every team misses out on 97 percent of the players drafted. That’s just how it works in a 32 team league. Some of those may be deliberate, some avoid and some just not really rationally practicable. Most will be a mix of deliberate and not really viably practical.
Cheezehead72
April 16, 2024 at 09:41 am
I am not sold on Barton at 25. He is much like Myers. He is good and smart just not very strong. Now if they think they can make him stronger than I wold agree with picking him.
I like Powers-Johnson more. A little more experienced at center and a lot stronger.
Coldworld
April 16, 2024 at 09:56 am
Is Barton Myers with much more obvious positional flexibility or Tom with half inch shorter arms?
That’s the question. No, I don’t have the answer, unfortunately. Both are credible.
Alberta_Packer
April 16, 2024 at 12:39 pm
I look for specialized expertise in a Day 1 pick rather than useful versatility. Insofar that player is the top or near to at their designated position. "Versatility" can often be found on Days 2 and 3.
stockholder
April 16, 2024 at 11:40 am
Take Barton and he'll sit the bench.
Miss DeJean and Gute should trade down.
Either he gets a playmaker or Depth.
IF CB is the target. He must trade up.
Leatherhead
April 16, 2024 at 05:27 pm
If Barton is on the bench, it means that all of the starters on the Oline are healthy and playing well. That's a good thing.
Coldworld
April 17, 2024 at 10:04 am
Tom was on the bench in year one unless injuries intervened. Of course he was a much later pick. If that draft were redone with hindsight I wonder where Tom would go.
Then again, just because Tom has done it through mobility and technique doesn’t mean Barton will. There are thought many similarities in attribute and build between the two.
Personally I prefer to draft the best G, T and C prospects in This draft we can get. However, we may not be able to get 3 picks better than Barton, particularly inside. It seems to me Barton is a pretty good way to ensure competition and depth is real across all 3 if we can’t. Do you start with that? It depends who else is there at 25 and when he falls. Ideally he’s our second pick , but other teams may differ.
cheezyone
April 16, 2024 at 09:29 am
Stokes had a very good rookie year, and not much since. Partly because of injury, but I would say no to a 5th year option and if he can stay on the field this year and show something, give him a one year prove it deal, to show it wasn't a fluke.
lou
April 16, 2024 at 09:48 am
A starting corner not only has to cover he has to tackle and Stoke's tackling is nearly as poor as Savage's was. It would be surprising if they guarantee his 5th year option. Alexander gets some bad press but he was terrific in the playoffs and rises to the occasion against top WR's and he sells out tackling as was evident by the shoulder issues he had last season. The really good defenses tackle well, look at the Bears, virtually no star players on that side of the ball but the defense rates high every year. Lets hope Hatley makes tackling a key to get on the field and stay on the field.
Coldworld
April 16, 2024 at 10:02 am
Incorrect. He was a good tackler for a CB before he was drafted and in his rookie year.
Sports Info Solutions, for example, recorded that “he allowed a 46.2 percent completion rate and 5.3 yards per target, figures that ranked sixth and eighth, respectively, among starting corners. While he dropped four interceptions, he was superb down the stretch and tackled well, too.”
On field availability is critical as is showing that he retains his former athleticism. No reason to make up additional obstacles.
Leatherhead
April 17, 2024 at 12:01 pm
Stokes has missed 23 games in the last 3 years, and Alexander has missed 24. Missing games is worse than missing tackles.
Irish_Cheesehead
April 16, 2024 at 11:42 am
This site is 100% DeJean or bust, while almost every mock seems to have us taking Amarius Mims. I'm bracing for Gute to throw another curve ball that has me scrambling to google the guy we pick. He's earned my trust and I'm excited to see how he continues to build this team! It's just funny how everyone gets locked on one or two players!
jannesbjornson
April 16, 2024 at 12:15 pm
Just say No to boat anchors.
TKWorldWide
April 16, 2024 at 02:42 pm
This site is not 100% Dejean or bust.
Alberta_Packer
April 16, 2024 at 11:44 am
The Packers have been Stokes-less for the last 2 seasons due to injury and poor play. Somehow the Packers survived without him - in patching together a CB group that was at least functional - thereby setting a positional floor. I think that the Packers will attempt to raise that floor (and ceiling) by drafting 2 CBs in this draft. If healthy, Stokes may be able to contribute this year - but only as a supplementary player - not one of the core. Given the uncertainty of Stokes status plus the long term salary cap implications of a Love extension - it is very likely that Stoke's 5th year option of over 12M will not be exercised.
Also Cooper DeJean does not figure in any of the Stokes calculus.
Leatherhead
April 16, 2024 at 11:45 am
First, it is not possible to have too many good DBs. Defense in the NFL is pass defense, and pass defense starts with guys who can cover.
Alexander is a stud, and he and Stokes would seem to be a decent pair of starting corners, but they've missed a staggering 47 games between them.
Nixon was playing very well by the end of the season, and Valentine held his own and will probably be better this year, as long as they stay in support roles and not as a primary starter. We could really use a quality CB, regardless of what we're doing with Stokes.
egbertsouse
April 16, 2024 at 12:16 pm
Pass defense begins and ends with pass rush. The NFL won’t let DBs play pass defense anymore so if the ball gets in the vicinity of the receiver, you’ll get a reception or PI penalty 80% of the time. Teams shouldn’t waste high picks on DBs.
Leatherhead
April 16, 2024 at 05:26 pm
No. It's been repeatedly demonstrated that if people are uncovered, the good QB unloads the ball before the pressure can possibly get there. Otherwise, why wouldn't you just rush 11 every time? Then at least two guys wouldn't get blocked at all and they'd just charge right in before the QB could throw it to an open guy. Right??
You have to keep receivers covered long enough for the rush to get there. These guys like Gary and VanNess are fast, but they aren't time-travel fast. You've got to keep people covered for a couple of seconds.
Half of your defense is DBs. They're involved in almost every big play at the end of the games. IMO, you need talent there or you aren't going to have a very good defense.
dobber
April 16, 2024 at 11:47 am
In the end, the Packers will know what they were able to draft at CB before having to send their decision on Stokes' 5th year option to the league office.
DeJean will not hinge on Stokes. Stokes will not hinge on DeJean.
Stokes will not get his 5th year option--players who miss that much time just don't get them--and we need to remember that the 5th year option decision doesn't mean he can't still play well and earn an extension in GB based on 2024.
LambeauPlain
April 16, 2024 at 01:44 pm
You have it right, Dobber! Thumbs up.
Starrbrite
April 16, 2024 at 12:41 pm
DeJean is my first choice; I believe he will be a gangbuster.
The question is, should we move up to ensure drafting him? I dont know—? I’m leaning for moving up.
Go Packers!!!
LambeauPlain
April 16, 2024 at 01:42 pm
What I like about DeJean is his pure football talent. He does everything consistently well to combine with his tremendous athletic talent.
To downgrade him as mostly a zone CB, not a man player at the perimeter, is primarily due to where he played...and played well, at Iowa. They play zone, read & react. He did the job at a very high level for one of the consistently best defenses in College.
Could he play CB man in Green Bay? Certainly...but would he be better than Alexander? No. Stokes? If Big Red is healthy, maybe not. Valentine? I think so. Better than Nixon in the slot? Not immediately, but probably during the season.
Given his high level play in "read and react"...it seems Halfey would immediately try him with Xavier in his "vision and break" emphasis for his safeties and take advantage of DeJean's solid tackling.
Hafley has also said he will customize his D based on the next opponent...and this means using the FS and SS interchangeably. DeJean opens up Hafley's DB playbook.
Add in DeJean's ST play (he'd be a fun player to watch in the new kickoff rules!) and you have a prospect that would play A LOT of snaps as a rookie.
Checks many boxes as a versatile young talent.
Starrbrite
April 16, 2024 at 09:17 pm
Agree with all Lambeau.
jhtobias
April 16, 2024 at 02:39 pm
Im really kind of dumb founded by all the barton love on this site . I would bet gutey values jackson powers over barton by a wide margin. That dude was a straight maller at both centet and guard and never gives up pressure.
He played against top competition and destroyed them .
I just have a hunch this is the guy
Leatherhead
April 16, 2024 at 05:22 pm
It's hard to love a smart (Duke) 2nd Team All American tackle who is versatile enough to play all 5 positions on the line.
Spanky65
April 16, 2024 at 03:06 pm
I agree with the majority to draft Cooper Dejean (If he is there at No. 25 )
Having Dejean and Xavier McKinney defend the middle of the field
will calm our fears of seeing another 4th and 26 or having Justin
Jefferson roam the Middle with nobody within of 20 yards of him
like we saw with Barry as the DC for 3 years
Plus this draft seems to be loaded with very good O-Lineman
which the Packers can pick in the second or third rounds.
golfpacker1
April 16, 2024 at 05:11 pm
Forget DeJean and Barton @ #25. Powers-Johnson would be a great pick too, but the best move this year is to trade back 10 to 15 picks and grab another early 3rd & 4th. Follow that by trading back from #41 a short amount. Gain another 3rd & 5th.
Leatherhead
April 16, 2024 at 06:42 pm
I had a recent mock where Barton, Guyton, and DeJean were all still available at #25. I couldn't believe it, and I couldn't choose, so I started trading down and ended up with Morgan, Sua, and Van Pran for the offensive line for the next four years.
I also, because of the extra picks, was able to get both Cooper and Colson to improve the LB room, and Bullard and Hicks at Safety. That's on Day 2. I also got Allen and Guarendo in the 4th.
That's absolutely 4 guys who will dress out for the defense, and at least 3 on offense.