Now that I have power back, yes my family is fine, we continue on with the scouting of the draft-eligible Ohio State Buckeyes for the 2021 NFL Draft. This time we look at defensive end Jonathon Cooper and his draft stock. A relentless defensive end but currently fairly one-dimensional.
Cooper projects as both a 3-4 or 4-3 end with the need of some focus on scheme to increase his effectiveness. He should find a home with a team due to his motor and tools but will need some work to be a viable three-down end. Let’s get into Cooper with his pros and cons.
NEXT … The positives to drafting Jonathon Cooper
The pros of Jonathon Cooper
Every time I turn on #OhioState defensive film EDGE Jonathon Cooper flashes on tape. I highlighted him before the #SeniorBowl and I'm two games into Pete Werner, yet Cooper keeps catching my eye.
I see some versatility as well, made some plays as a 5 tech for the Buckeyes too. pic.twitter.com/TLeOxCuMNo
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) February 16, 2021
Cooper is one of those defensive ends the Buckeyes produce that seem to have one of the best first steps in the game. Cooper gets off the line in a hurry and uses that speed to hit gaps and find his way through traffic. He uses his hands well and has a lot of counters in his pass rush set should he get held up at the line. He changes direction well and uses that to get into his gap quickly.
His motor is relentless and he will not stop trying to get pressure on the quarterback. Cooper will keep his head up and adjust to where the quarterback is and not simply try to get to a single spot and stop. He does well when there is a blitzer to use that to his advantage to create space for himself or the blitzing player.
NEXT … The downside of Jonathon Cooper
The cons to drafting Jonathon Cooper
Jonathon Cooper loves these speed-to-power rushes
Cooper is a no-nonsense rusher. Straight line attacks. Power rushes. Inside moves. Cooper isn’t looking to run around OTs – he wants to go through them!
Adrian Ealy had his hands full pic.twitter.com/iXtk3z3ahI
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) January 29, 2021
Cooper uses his hands well, has a strong punch, and is quick out of his stance. However, he doesn’t have the best bend on the edge and will not beat a tackle by getting low and turning the corner. He will need to be in a system early on that allows him to use twists, stunts, and gap penetration instead of being asked to win one-on-one by himself consistently.
Against the run, Cooper doesn’t set the edge as well or consistently enough to feel that he should be a three-down option right away. He has the agility and speed to get there, but his ability right now to hold up against the run where he can’t just hit a gap is a little low.
Cooper is a middle of the draft defensive end with a ceiling to be a three-down starter at some point. Finding a place where he can put his hand in the dirt and hit gaps quickly will help his ability to reach his ceiling. He would be great as a rotational pass rush specialist early on.
All Ohio State football players eligible for the 2021 NFL draft
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