Iowa CB/S Cooper DeJean would be sneaky exciting Dolphins pick at No. 21.
Let's get this out of the way first.
Yes, Cooper DeJean was a white cornerback and a star at Iowa, just like Riley Moss, selected by the Broncos in the last NFL Draft's third round.
Yes, white cornerbacks are still very rare.
"I haven’t really talked to teams about that whole aspect of things," DeJean said at the NFL Scouting Combine. "It doesn’t really bother me too much. I’m just going to go out and be myself. Just go out and play my game."
What is also very rare is DeJean's combination of athleticism, ball skills and versatility.
DeJean is such an intriguing defensive weapon he's expected to be selected in the first round.
He's so talented it would not be shocking if the Dolphins chose him at No. 21.
"I’ve talked to a few teams, yeah, about just moving around," DeJean said. "Being able to play multiple, different positions, I think that’s an advantage. Coming into this league, being able to play wherever they put me."
DeJean has played outside cornerback and slot cornerback and nickel safety.
How might Dolphins use Cooper DeJean?
In Miami's offense, he could be moved around by new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver based on matchups. Weaver would also like to move around, for example, star cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
So, who knows, maybe DeJean would eventually end up at strong safety opposite Jevon Holland.
Or, maybe DeJean would end up at a slot corner or roaming safety position.
Daniel Jeremiah, the NFL Network draft expert, ranks DeJean as the 25th-best player in this draft.
"I believe DeJean could stick at cornerback, but I wouldn't rule out a move to safety, where his strengths as a player would be featured," Jeremiah said. "He reminds me of a bigger Eric Weddle coming out of college."
It's also possible DeJean would be in the cluster of players Miami would consider if they were able to move back from No. 21 to, say, No. 25-30 in the first round.
In that scenario, they'd pick up a much-needed third- or fourth-rounder in this draft.
They don't have one.
NFL Draft: Would Cooper DeJean be luxury or impact pick for Dolphins?
Look, Miami probably has bigger needs at guard, tackle, receiver and edge.
But general manager Chris Grier has shown a willingness to simply draft the best player on his board. And nobody is disputing DeJean is a very, very good player.
DeJean, 6-foot, 1/2 inch and 212 pounds, ran a 4.42 40-yard dashand posted a 38 1/2-inch vertical jump, both of which are impressive numbers.
DeJean also posted 12 interceptions and 20 pass breakups in the last two seasons at Iowa.
"Overall, DeJean is one of the best tackling defensive backs in the class and shows playmaking skills in coverage, because of his athletic instincts and competitive makeup," says NFL Draft expert Dane Brugler of The Athletic. "Along with an immediate special-teams role (as a returner and gunner), his NFL starter-quality skill set fits interchangeably at cornerback, safety or nickel."
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Cooper DeJean is white Iowa CB and possible Miami Dolphins NFL Draft pick
