Cooper DeJean has emerged as one of the clear top cornerbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft class.
The Iowa corner has been praised for his speed, play-making ability and his versatility, making him a potential first- or early second-round pick in the 2024 class.
During the draft process, comparisons inevitably are made about all players. And there are various reasons behind why different comps are produced.
DeJean has drawn plenty of comparisons, but one that keeps coming up is longtime Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn. Sehorn recorded multiple interceptions in five of his nine NFL seasons, finishing his career with 19 picks, 5.5 sacks and four recovered fumbles in 117 NFL games.
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Why is DeJean drawing comparisons to Sehorn? Here's what you need to know.
Cooper DeJean 40 time
DeJean ran a 4.42 40-yard dash at the Iowa Pro Day. He did not work out at the 2024 NFL Combine as he was recovering from a fractured leg.
Coming out of USC in 1994, Sehorn ran a 4.6 40 time.
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Why Cooper DeJean is drawing Jason Sehorn comparisons
There's an obvious answer for the comparison: they're both white cornerbacks.
That isn't a superficial comparison. Sehorn is the most recent white, starting cornerback in the NFL. Assuming DeJean lives up to expectations, he'll be the next. Sehorn played from 1994-2003, and was a full-time starter from 1996-2001.
"I've heard it a lot," DeJean said of the comparisons to Sehorn. “At the facility I train at, there are quite a few NFL guys there. Some of the guys even call me that [Jason Sehorn]. Not even by my name.”
There are more differences than similarities between the two, however. Sehorn was about an inch taller and 15 pounds heavier. He also ran a noticeably slower 40 time, had a 3.5-inch shorter vertical and roughly the same broad jump.
Overall, RAS Football (Relative Athletic Score) gave DeJean a score of 9.85, near the top of the chart, while Sehorn scored 6.56.
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Cooper DeJean comparisons
RAS lists five players as comparisons for DeJean based on scores: James Bradberry, Tyrique Stevenson, Chris Culliver, Nicholas Poloniato and Jason Pinnock.
Bradberry would certainly be an ideal comparison for DeJean. Bradberry was a Pro Bowler in 2020 and second-team All-Pro in 2022 with the Eagles.
There have been no shortage of other comparisons made for DeJean. His college coach, Iowa's Kirk Ferentz, said he sees some of safety Micah Hyde in DeJean. Walter Football compared him to Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. NFL Draft Buzz listed Patriots corner Christian Gonzalez as the top comparison for DeJean.
