Daniel Jeremiah's latest mock draft sends Cooper DeJean to the Packers

Daniel Jeremiah, one of the NFL Draft's top analysts, sent Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean to the Green Bay Packers at No. 25 overall in his final mock draft of the 2024 cycle.

It's becoming increasingly clear that DeJean, the Packers' favorite to start the draft process, is once again the heavy favorite with the start of the first round just a day away.

From Jeremiah: “The Packers have strengthened their defense in recent drafts and are sticking with it here. DeJean can play nickel outside corner and could also develop into a really good safety.”

In Jeremiah's mock draft, the Dallas Cowboys took Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton at No. 24, and the Packers took DeJean over Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse, cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry and UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu.

DeJean is such a good fit for the Packers. Brian Gutekunst wants a young, top-notch, versatile athlete in the first round. DeJean checks all three boxes. He could fill a long-term need at cornerback or an immediate need at safety and has tremendous value on special teams. The Packers have a lot of respect for Iowa's football program. Gutekunst wants an interchangeable safety who can play deep and cover the slot; DeJean fits. Jeff Hafley wants takeout; DeJean has had seven picks over the last two seasons.

If the Packers make a decision late in the first round and get a high-ceiling, high-floor prospect like DeJean, it would be a big win. He easily integrates into Green Bay's defense and has the athleticism and versatility to be a game-changing player.

Two years ago, Jeremiah correctly predicted that the Packers would take linebacker Quay Walker in the first round. Last year, his prediction for the Packers was that it would be tight end Dalton Kincaid at No. 13.

The story originally appeared on Packers Wire