The Green Bay Packers have the opportunity to become a legitimate Super Bowl contender just two seasons after trading away future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Jordan Love and his extremely young but skilled bunch of weapons made the league take attention in 2023.
This offseason will be focused on improving the defense to championship level. Jeff Hafley, Green Bay’s new defensive coordinator, assembled a completely new defensive coaching staff. One that will have more expectations of the defense than in previous years.
The Green Bay Packers Pegged To Leapfrog Multiple Rivals To Acquire Defensive Back
GREEN BAY PACKERS TRADE UP TO NO. 21 WITH MIAMI DOLPHINS FOR IOWA’S CB COOPER DEJEAN
Trade Terms: The Packers get selection 21; the Dolphins get picks 25 and 169, as well as a third-round pick in 2025.
The Packers move over numerous defensive back-needy clubs, including the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 22, the Minnesota Vikings (who now have the No. 23 overall pick), and the Dallas Cowboys at No. 24.
Brian Gutekunst, the Packers’ general manager, has traded up in the first round for defensive backs twice in his young tenure, adding cornerback Jaire Alexander and safety Darnell Savage.
Green Bay has acquired probably the most versatile defensive back in the class. DeJean could step in and compete for the starting outside cornerback position opposite Jaire Alexander, given the health concerns surrounding 2021 first-round CB Eric Stokes.
He could also provide insurance if Alexander seeks a trade elsewhere, which does not appear to be impossible, or he could play safety alongside free-agent splash addition Xavier McKinney.
DeJean is a top-tier athlete, and Iowa has entrusted him with some return duties in 2023. DeJean had a stunning punt return for a touchdown against Minnesota, collecting the ball off a bounce, spinning out of a tackler’s clutches, and running off for what would have been a walk-off game-winner but for a penalty.
As a defender, DeJean allowed completion percentages below 50% and passer ratings when targeted below 50.0 in each of the last two seasons, with seven total interceptions.
The Packers Secondary Would Get A Massive Boost From Cooper DeJean
The Packers’ defense would benefit greatly from the addition of a youthful, versatile weapon such as Cooper DeJean. Jaire Alexander and Xavier McKinney are among the top players in their respective positions. Adding DeJean to the mix, learning from those veterans, and providing that level of versatility is exactly what new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley requires.
Taking him away from the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys would simply be a bonus.
