Jeremiah Cooper NFL Draft 2025: 5 Reasons The Iowa State DB Is A Day 2 Lock

As of December 17, 2025, the 2025 NFL Draft class is solidifying, and one name consistently generating buzz in the defensive backfield is Iowa State's Jeremiah Cooper. After a standout collegiate career that saw him transition from a dynamic free safety to a boundary cornerback, Cooper has proven his versatility and elite playmaking instincts, cementing his status as one of the top defensive backs available. Cooper's draft stock is currently hovering in the early Day 2 range, with many analysts suggesting a high ceiling that could see him sneak into the late first round. His blend of size, speed, and ball-hawking ability makes him a coveted prospect for NFL teams looking to bolster their secondary with a player who can immediately contribute as a deep-field center fielder or a versatile cover corner.

Jeremiah Cooper: Full Collegiate Profile and Biography

Jeremiah Cooper is an American college football defensive back who played for the Iowa State Cyclones in the Big 12 Conference. His journey from a highly-touted high school recruit to a top NFL prospect has been marked by significant statistical production and positional versatility.

• Full Name: Jeremiah Cooper
• Date of Birth: April 26, 2004
• Hometown: El Paso, Texas (Andress High School)
• College: Iowa State University (Iowa State Cyclones)
• Position: Defensive Back (Safety/Cornerback)
• Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
• Weight: 195 lbs (88 kg)
• NFL Draft Eligibility: 2025 (Projected)

Career Statistical Highlights (Iowa State Cyclones)

Cooper's college career showcased his development and ability to produce turnovers, particularly during his breakout season. His positional shift under Defensive Coordinator Jon Heacock provided valuable tape on his man-coverage skills.

• 2023 Season (Safety): 5 Interceptions, 45 Total Tackles, 1.5 Tackles for Loss (TFL), 10 Pass Breakups (PBU) in 11 games. He was a true ball-hawk.
• 2024 Season (Boundary CB): 2 Interceptions, 30 Total Tackles in 14 games. A positional shift saw his overall interception number drop, but his ability to limit targets as a boundary corner was notable.

The Dynamic Playmaking Ability: Why Cooper is a Day 2 Lock

Jeremiah Cooper has separated himself from other defensive back prospects through a combination of elite athletic traits and proven on-field production. His versatility to play both safety and corner makes him an invaluable asset in the modern NFL, which demands defensive backs capable of covering multiple receiver types.

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1. Elite Ball Skills and Interception Instincts

Cooper’s 2023 season, where he racked up five interceptions, put him on the national radar as a premier ball-hawk. Scouts praise his ability to track the deep ball with near-elite range and his spatial awareness in zone coverage. He demonstrates a natural feel for where the quarterback is going with the ball, allowing him to break on throws and convert them into turnovers rather than just pass breakups. This playmaking skill is a major factor in his high draft projection.

2. Versatility: Safety to Boundary Cornerback

A major boost to his 2025 NFL Draft stock came from his move to boundary cornerback in the 2024 season. While the change resulted in fewer headline-grabbing interceptions, it provided crucial film demonstrating his capacity to handle man-coverage responsibilities against top Big 12 receivers. This positional flexibility proves he can be an interchangeable piece in an NFL secondary, capable of playing the deep safety role or locking down a side of the field.

3. Explosive Athleticism and Fluidity

Scouting reports consistently highlight Cooper's athletic profile. He possesses elite explosive capacity, which translates to a quick burst out of his breaks and the speed to recover when beaten. His rapid foot speed and loose hips allow him to change direction seamlessly, a critical trait for covering shifty slot receivers and maintaining leverage against outside threats. This athletic foundation suggests a high ceiling for development at the professional level.

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The Road Ahead: Combine, Pro Day, and Final Draft Projection

As the calendar turns to 2026, the focus for Jeremiah Cooper and his draft team will shift entirely to the pre-draft process. His performance at the NFL Combine and Iowa State's Pro Day will be instrumental in solidifying his draft round.

Addressing Scouting Concerns and Potential Fit

While Cooper's athleticism is unquestionable, some earlier scouting reports noted a slight concern regarding his lack of elite physicality and size at the safety position. At 6'0" and 195 lbs, he is not considered undersized, but his willingness to engage in the run game and deliver powerful tackles will be scrutinized during the process. A strong performance in the bench press and tackling drills at the Combine could easily put these concerns to rest and push him firmly into the Top 50 conversation.

His ideal fit in the NFL is likely a team that runs a zone-heavy scheme, allowing him to utilize his elite range and ball-tracking skills as a free safety. However, his 2024 experience at Boundary CB means he can also be utilized in a nickel package, covering the slot or an outside receiver on a situational basis.

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Final Draft Projection and Top Team Fits

The consensus among draft analysts pegs Jeremiah Cooper as a Round 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He is often mentioned in the same tier as other top safety prospects like Malaki Starks, though Cooper's proven versatility gives him a slight edge in some scouting circles. Teams in need of a true playmaker in the secondary, such as the Philadelphia Eagles, the Detroit Lions, or the Cincinnati Bengals, could view him as an immediate-impact starter.

Should he test exceptionally well in the 40-yard dash and agility drills, a rise into the late first round is not out of the question. For now, Cooper is a Day 2 lock—a high-value pick who will provide an NFL defense with a versatile, athletic, and dynamic defensive back for years to come.

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