Make A Case for Cooper

[Gaede]

The way it's going he will unlikely be available at 18. Especially if he goes before Chance.

Yeah, I think he will go before our pick too, sadly. There's only two guys that I absolutely stay at 18 for and pick right away--Cooper and Richardson. Everyone else, at least who we've been discussing, I would trade down for. Or at least try to.

 

[xwalker]

That's a really impressive and in depth breakdown. Props man, the only thing that I'm weary about is these impressive Alabama O-Lineman played against SEC defenses, while Cooper played against ACC competition.

So that being said, I'd still take Vaccaro in the first and Barret early in the second (I imagine a trade down would have to be made unless Jones REALLY dropped) than Cooper.

And my final question, is how can you all be so sure that the Cowboys run a zone blocking system? All the background on the personnel in the world still isn't going to tell you what system they're working on at camp or the plays they call on Sunday.

Good questions. You can't completely eliminate the level of competition issues, but there are ways of watching OLinemen that make it much less of an issue. You can get a pretty good idea of quickness and technique regardless of the competition. It's little harder to get an absolute measure on power, although there are plenty of strong DLinemen in the ACC. Quickness is actually what makes many of the SEC DLinemen elite prospects. Level of competition is the reason that I put much more emphasis on watching the player over the actual play result or game statistics.

Almost all analysts agree that Barrett Jones has limited athletic ability and therefore limited upside. He is was probably a 2nd round pick before the injury. Now he has a Lisfranc foot injury that could keep him from contributing much if anything in 2013. This is particularly unfortunate because his best asset was his readiness to play immediately in the NFL due to being mentally ahead of other college players. The Lisfranc
injury also has the potential to be a long term problem.

Callahan made a statement after he arrived last year something like "I paid for my kids college educations teaching the Zone Blocking Scheme". Why would the Cowboys hire an OL coach and assistant OL coach that were known for teaching/implementing the ZBS and then not use that scheme? Callahan did say that he would use man-blocking if that was best for the existing personnel. They did use quite a bit of Zone Blocking last year. In a story about his time with the Jets, one of their OL indicated that Callahan phased the ZBS in over time the 1st year because the players were not initially good at executing it.

 

[xwalker]

I don't have access to the all 22, but I would be very surprised if we ran more than 2 stretch plays a game. There is a drastic difference in what we ran last year versus a team like Houston. My wife could tell the difference.

Yeah, we had an all time low in rushing. Hardly a staple of the ZBS.

Also, Garrett's scheme is based on down the field principles, not West Coast. Callahan is more of a West Coast guy. To suggest that we are switching Garrett's fundamental playbook is asinine. He has been the OC since 2007. That is 5+ years of evidence that things aren't changing.

When I have time I'll pull up some games on the All-22 and count the stretch plays. The film is there, no need to keep speculating.

Callahan stated that he would use more man-blocking if it was a better fit for the existing personnel. Kyle Cook was good in pass-protection but he was a huge detriment in implementing Zone running plays. He was just too slow to get out and make the required blocks. Things worked much better when Costa was at Center and somewhat better when Bernadeau was at Center; although, when Bernadeau was a Center that put Dockery at RG.

Why would Garrett hire an OL coach and assistant OL coach that were known for teaching/implementing the ZBS and then not use that scheme? The ZBS is independent of the West Coast offense. The ZBS is primarily about the running game while Garrett's down field principles are primarily about the passing game.

 

[CyberB0b]

Callahan made a statement after he arrived last year something like "I paid for my kids college educations teaching the Zone Blocking Scheme". Why would the Cowboys hire an OL coach and assistant OL coach that were known for teaching/implementing the ZBS and then not use that scheme? Callahan did say that he would use man-blocking if that was best for the existing personnel. They did use quite a bit of Zone Blocking last year. In a story about his time with the Jets, one of their OL indicated that Callahan phased the ZBS in over time the 1st year because the players were not initially good at executing it.

If they are so committed to the ZBS, why did they pick up Berny and Livings last year? They don't really fit the mold.

Why didn't they adopt a full WCO?

The answers to these questions are that they are not changing their fundamental offensive scheme. If they did, it would undermine the entire reasoning for keeping Garrett (in Jerry's mind).

With all of that said, I think Cooper could play zone or man.

 

[Eskimo]

As xwalker pointed out not many OL are going to possess elite power/anchor, speed, agility, footwork and tenacity. Well this guy is like the dreamliner of OL in terms of his ability to have all those things and the desire to go out and dominate the other guy play after play all-game long.

It is a thing of beauty to watch him shoot out after a LB on the second level. Whereas Chance comes out and methodically plows them, Cooper just blows them out like a Safety coming out to cut down a RB. His ability to hold a block against a DT a tick long to ensure the other player has the block in-hand before firing out with his speed to get to the second level is something no one else in this draft has to offer.

But the real coup is when he gets to play his space. Watch him pull and compare it to Chance. Chance is okay in his accuracy and judgment but he really slows up a play due to his subpar footspeed. Cooper gets there fast and with attitude. It is a thing of beauty to see him block a screen and get out there and lead a RB 40 yards downfield.

I have dreams of teams trying to blitz us and then us countering by setting up a quick screen to Murray or Hanna with Tyron and Cooper firing down the field. Most OL can maybe make 1 block close to the LOS to try and spring the play but these guys can run out in front of the RB and both have the potential to block more than 1 player on such a play because of their footwork and ability to stay on their feet. No defense is going to want to get outflanked with those two marauding through the second level and secondary with Demarco Murray behind them. It would be inviting disaster to let the Cowboys left OL get out there and that is going to take a lot of starch out of the pass rush.

I envision us having the ability to pull Cooper in space, use him to trap people, use a moving pocket with him sent out as Romo's bodyguard.

This is really a special player.

He's a gift if he drops to #15 and I'd argue we should be trying to trade up to get him because he is a special player. If we could justify trading up for Mo, there is no way you could justify not trading up for Cooper because he will do a lot of fix our deficiencies. I'd definitely be okay with using a fourth and maybe even a third to get up there and draft him.

I fear he is a top 10 pick and out of our range. I can't justify using a second round pick to get him. If he drops to #18 is is a gift from up above and we need to run up their with our card.

If he's gone I'm hoping we get the best DL possible because I don't think any other OL who might be available are going to be worth the pick. The other options are Tavon Austin or trade down.

 

[Rack]

Yet, Garrett doesn't run a zone block scheme. I like Cooper, but he looks to be more of a Center than a Guard to me.

What are you smoking?

 

[jnday]

If you believe many posters on this board, the biggest case for taking Cooper is his fit in the ZBS. He is not going to line up and blow Dlinemen off the ball, but his blocking skills are great when moving. If that is the direction that the team is going, Cooper is the man. If Garrett wants to line up and run the ball down the defenses throat, Warmack or Warford would fit the bill.

 

[TheSport78]

If you believe many posters on this board, the biggest case for taking Cooper is his fit in the ZBS. He is not going to line up and blow Dlinemen off the ball, but his blocking skills are great when moving. If that is the direction that the team is going, Cooper is the man. If Garrett wants to line up and run the ball down the defenses throat, Warmack or Warford would fit the bill.

I disagree.

 

[SportsGuru80]

Cooper will be an all pro guard within a few years...

 

[jnday]

If they are so committed to the ZBS, why did they pick up Berny and Livings last year? They don't really fit the mold.

Why didn't they adopt a full WCO?

The answers to these questions are that they are not changing their fundamental offensive scheme. If they did, it would undermine the entire reasoning for keeping Garrett (in Jerry's mind).

With all of that said, I think Cooper could play zone or man.

You bring up a good point about Bernadeau and Livings. Don't forget Leary. He is not a ZBS lineman. Actually, Dallas has not brought in a ZBS lineman during Callahan's time in Dallas. There has been some ZBS linemen available in free agency the last couple of seasons, but Dallas hasn't signed them. Things just don't add up for a complete change to a ZBS. This is just another example of the team's lack of identity.

 

[xwalker]

If they are so committed to the ZBS, why did they pick up Berny and Livings last year? They don't really fit the mold.

Why didn't they adopt a full WCO?

The answers to these questions are that they are not changing their fundamental offensive scheme. If they did, it would undermine the entire reasoning for keeping Garrett (in Jerry's mind).

With all of that said, I think Cooper could play zone or man.

You bring up a good point about Bernadeau and Livings. Don't forget Leary. He is not a ZBS lineman. Actually, Dallas has not brought in a ZBS lineman during Callahan's time in Dallas. There has been some ZBS linemen available in free agency the last couple of seasons, but Dallas hasn't signed them. Things just don't add up for a complete change to a ZBS. This is just another example of the team's lack of identity.

Bernadeau and Leary have good physical quickness. Bernadeau does not always look quick because he is often late off the snap, but physically he is a fit in the scheme.

Livings is the one that is a bit of an odd fit; however, he did pull and play in space a lot in Cincinnati.

 

[Angus]

Like 5stars I also think Barrett Jones is the best fit for Dallas, but he is injured. And like xwalker I would move up with a third or fourth (if necessary) to get Cooper.

Protecting Romo is the most important thing for this draft to accomplish. Cooper in the first, with Jones in the second would be my preference. Jones might be limited for awhile, but that's the reason he would be available at 47. It is not a sure thing he would be there at 80.

Romo is going to be in Dallas for awhile. Put good people with him for the long haul.

 

[xwalker]

If you believe many posters on this board, the biggest case for taking Cooper is his fit in the ZBS. He is not going to line up and blow Dlinemen off the ball, but his blocking skills are great when moving. If that is the direction that the team is going, Cooper is the man. If Garrett wants to line up and run the ball down the defenses throat, Warmack or Warford would fit the bill.

I would rate Cooper in the top 4 of Inteior OL in this draft for power.

Chance Warmack and Larry Warford are the obvious power guys.

Next are Jonathan Cooper and Alvin Bailey.

Travis Frederick would be in there if he plays at his college weight of 338, but not as much at his combine weight of 312. I'm not sure that he is that strong, he just used his weight to his advantage, but will be way too slow at 338 in the NFL.


Bench Reps:
dnp Chance Warmack
28 Larry Warford
35 Jonathan Cooper
27 Alvin Bailey
21Travis Frederick

 

[cowboysooner]

Like 5stars I also think Barrett Jones is the best fit for Dallas, but he is injured. And like xwalker I would move up with a third or fourth (if necessary) to get Cooper.

Protecting Romo is the most important thing for this draft to accomplish. Cooper in the first, with Jones in the second would be my preference. Jones might be limited for awhile, but that's the reason he would be available at 47. It is not a sure thing he would be there at 80.

Romo is going to be in Dallas for awhile. Put good people with him for the long haul.

A good guard is going to have far, far more impact on our run game than in pass protection. Even bad guards don't give up many sacks and pressures to interior players. The only two dt's that put a ton of sacks on the quarterback last year were Atkins and Melton. Watt put some pressure through guards but did most of his work on tackles.

There were about two and a half games last year were interior pressure really negatively impacted the passing game. Tampa (Gerald McCoy) and the Bengals (Geno Atkins) really caused trouble. Seattle did some too but it was not the primary cause of struggles.

I'd expect Cooper to help our passing game but it would primarily be far less than the impact it would have for Murray which would help play action.

 

[Angus]

As I understand it, Romo had the most trouble passing and taking sacks from rushes coming up the middle, not allowing him to step up or twist away as he likes to do when threatened. Warmack would be good to cure that but Cooper, too. Jones at center, though he can capably play guard and tackle as well, is needed for that reason as well, and both of them would help the running game,which also takes pressure off Romo. Incidentally, another good running back is also needed.

 

[jnday]

I would rate Cooper in the top 4 of Inteior OL in this draft for power.

Chance Warmack and Larry Warford are the obvious power guys.

Next are Jonathan Cooper and Alvin Bailey.

Travis Frederick would be in there if he plays at his college weight of 338, but not as much at his combine weight of 312. I'm not sure that he is that strong, he just used his weight to his advantage, but will be way too slow at 338 in the NFL.


Bench Reps:
dnp Chance Warmack
28 Larry Warford
35 Jonathan Cooper
27 Alvin Bailey
21Travis Frederick

You do realize that the bench press has nothing to do with anchor strength or drive blocking don't you? Using the BP numbers to reflect playing strength is a joke.

 

[xwalker]

I would rate Cooper in the top 4 of Inteior OL in this draft for power.

Chance Warmack and Larry Warford are the obvious power guys.

Next are Jonathan Cooper and Alvin Bailey.

Travis Frederick would be in there if he plays at his college weight of 338, but not as much at his combine weight of 312. I'm not sure that he is that strong, he just used his weight to his advantage, but will be way too slow at 338 in the NFL.


Bench Reps:
dnp Chance Warmack
28 Larry Warford
35 Jonathan Cooper
27 Alvin Bailey
21Travis Frederick

You do realize that the bench press has nothing to do with anchor strength or drive blocking don't you? Using the BP numbers to reflect playing strength is a joke.

You might want to reconsider that comment.

I ranked Warford ahead of Cooper for power yet Warford had 28 reps compared to 35 for Cooper and they have similar arm length.

I was not using the bench reps as proof of anchor strength, it was provided to show that Cooper also has excellent upper body strength.

There is some correlation to upper body strength and anchor strength. Just look at Doug Free. He appears to have no anchor strength; however, the actual reason that he gets bull-rushed is because he can't keep defenders from getting into his body due to inadequate upper body strength.

 

[Eskimo]

A good guard is going to have far, far more impact on our run game than in pass protection. Even bad guards don't give up many sacks and pressures to interior players. The only two dt's that put a ton of sacks on the quarterback last year were Atkins and Melton. Watt put some pressure through guards but did most of his work on tackles.

There were about two and a half games last year were interior pressure really negatively impacted the passing game. Tampa (Gerald McCoy) and the Bengals (Geno Atkins) really caused trouble. Seattle did some too but it was not the primary cause of struggles.

I'd expect Cooper to help our passing game but it would primarily be far less than the impact it would have for Murray which would help play action.

I disagree. Having a nice pocket to step into is very important because it lets the QB have proper footwork and follow through on passes, let'
s them see the field better and gives them space to step forward against outside rushers trying to turn the corner on OTs. I agree that it isn't as useful if just one of them is doing the job but Rome wasn't built in a day and this OL isn't going to get cured by adding one individual player. I do believe he would be a big part of the solution to our interior if we managed to acquire him.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

It's not just pass blocking with Cooper. It's being able to pull, reach and consistently get to the second level on your blocks. It's his ability to operate in a Zone Blocking scheme with high affecency.

 

[Gaede]

Yeah, I'm definitely on the Cooper bandwagon as well.

No WAY I move up to say, 11, to get him. But around 15, I'd move that far.

Yeah, he's only a guard. But he happens to be one of the elite players in the draft, is significantly better than other players at his position AND also plays a position that we desperately need. And when you get a chance to get an elite player, you take it. That approach so far has netted us Bryant, Lee and Claiborne.