Scouting the OGs: Jonathan Cooper, UNC

[RS12]

PHYSICAL MAKEUP:

Cooper presents as a prospect that fits within the required minimums for NFL guards. Standing at 6’3 and weighing 295lbs, Cooper may have to put on a little weight once he arrives in the League. Cooper is put together well. His weight is well-distributed throughout his compact body. His legs and rear are thick, providing him with a good, natural anchor. Cooper presents as a well-conditioned player that takes care of himself. He has a tight mid-section and doesn’t project as a guy that will get sloppy on the next level.

STRENGTH/PHYSICALITY:

Jonathan Cooper displays adequate strength to project as an immediate starter in the NFL. As stated above, he may have to add a little more weight in order to consistently hold his ground against the bigger, stronger NFL Defensive Tackles. But there’s nothing on film to raise a red flag regarding his natural strength. Cooper consistently explodes into his assignment and generates a good snap on contact. On one play that I scouted, Cooper managed to turn a LB into a pretzel once he laid his hat on him. There were a few moments, however, when Cooper would stop moving his feet upon contact with a bigger and seemingly stronger man. He would bend back a bit, which is a concern when projecting his ability to hold up against the bull rush. With all that said, Cooper presented as a player that is plenty strong enough for Sunday football. While his best fit might be in the ZBS, I see no reason to suggest that Cooper cannot be equally successful as an in-line blocker in the NFL.

http://firstroundgrade.com/2013/01/1...an-cooper-unc/

[xwalker]

Jonathan Cooper
NFLDS: 6-3, 310
Scouts Inc: 6-3, 320
UNC Roster: 6-3, 295 (note, this was the same weight as last year)

[DFWJC]

If we had to take an OG with our 18th pick--so if we was by far the BP at that point--I'd be fine with Cooper.

[Rack Bauer]

Originally Posted by DFWJC

If we had to take an OG with our 18th pick--so if we was by far the BP at that point--I'd be fine with Cooper.

Agreed.

[danielofthesaints]

[burmafrd]

barely adequate strength is a big RED FLAG if you are talking about a guy in the first or early second round.

Guys what makes him different then Arkin?

Arkin supposedly is very mobile and nasty and such.

And is weak.

[Boys122]

Originally Posted by DFWJC

If we had to take an OG with our 18th pick--so if we was by far the BP at that point--I'd be fine with Cooper.

Absolutely.

[Rack Bauer]

Originally Posted by burmafrd

barely adequate strength is a big RED FLAG if you are talking about a guy in the first or early second round.

Guys what makes him different then Arkin?

Arkin supposedly is very mobile and nasty and such.

And is weak.

I don't see where it says "Barely adequate strength".

[burmafrd]

Originally Posted by Rack Bauer

I don't see where it says "Barely adequate strength".

when someone says adequate I get seriously suspicious

[Eskimo]

If we are drafting an OG, unless he projects as an All-Pro, I would prefer dropping into the mid-20s or so. Last year DeCastro and Zeitler went right around there and I think that is a fair spot to pick a guy with a Pro Bowl projection at the spot.

The one exception to the above is if you think the guy can be a very good Center, I'd probably be okay drafting him at #18 without an All-Pro projection so long as he had a Pro Bowl projection.

I still think our best move would be to go DL or trade down if no DL graded out well on the clock. I'd like Kawaan Short if he were still on the board. He looks like a prototypical 3-tech that helps make the Tampa-2 go. He also seems stout enough to take on some double teams.

[Rack Bauer]

Originally Posted by burmafrd

when someone says adequate I get seriously suspicious

The one thing I'm not worried about in a player is if he'll get stronger in the NFL, expecially with Woicik as the Strength coach.

[Rack Bauer]

Originally Posted by Eskimo

If we are drafting an OG, unless he projects as an All-Pro, I would prefer dropping into the mid-20s or so. Last year DeCastro and Zeitler went right around there and I think that is a fair spot to pick a guy with a Pro Bowl projection at the spot.

The one exception to the above is if you think the guy can be a very good Center, I'd probably be okay drafting him at #18 without an All-Pro projection so long as he had a Pro Bowl projection.

I still think our best move would be to go DL or trade down if no DL graded out well on the clock. I'd like Kawaan Short if he were still on the board. He looks like a prototypical 3-tech that helps make the Tampa-2 go. He also seems stout enough to take on some double teams.

I wouldn't mind Short at 18. Jordan Hill is another one I really like. Might be available in the 2nd.

[DFWJC]

Originally Posted by Eskimo

If we are drafting an OG, unless he projects as an All-Pro, I would prefer dropping into the mid-20s or so. Last year DeCastro and Zeitler went right around there and I think that is a fair spot to pick a guy with a Pro Bowl projection at the spot.

.

I've said it earlier:

picks 18 + 47 = picks 27 and 29 roughly

A pick, if we had a Dlineman grade the same as an OG, I'd take the DL.
But if the OG is top on our board at 18 and the value matches the spot (so no trade down option), so be it.

[jnday]

Originally Posted by Rack Bauer

The one thing I'm not worried about in a player is if he'll get stronger in the NFL, expecially with Woicik as the Strength coach.

How has Arkin done? Strength is his one major weakness and he has regressed if anything.

[Rack Bauer]

Originally Posted by jnday

How has Arkin done? Strength is his one major weakness and he has regressed if anything.

Arkin's problem is more than just strength. It's TALENT.