IOWA CITY, Iowa – The Iowa defense suffered a blow on Thursday as All-America junior cornerback Cooper DeJean announced that he will enter the 2024 NFL draft.

Hawkeye fans were hoping that DeJean would return for his senior season, but as a potential first-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, the Odebolt native would’ve been turning down a lot of money to do so.

Veteran NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper currently has DeJean 13th overall in his latest mock draft.

According to Spotrac, the No. 13 pick in this year’s draft is projected to sign a deal worth $17.5 million with a $7.9 million signing conus.

DeJean played just three seasons for Iowa, and was a starter for just two seasons.

But that was enough time for him to become one of the top defensive backs in program history.

DeJean was also a force on special teams where he excelled as a punt returner and as gunner on the punt team.

He burst on scene in 2022 season when he set a program record with three pick sixes.

DeJean’s junior season was cut short when he suffered a lower leg injury in practice just days before the 11th game against Illinois.

He would miss the final four games of the season.

DeJean finished the 2023 season 41 tackles, five pass breakups and two interceptions in 10 games.

He also earned consensus All-America honors.

DeJean’s announcement came just one day after junior cornerback Jermari Harris announced that he will return to Iowa for his senior season.

All-Big Ten senior linebacker jay Higgins also has announced that he will return next season.