NewsBot
New Member
- Messages
- 111,281
- Reaction score
- 2,947
GLENDALE, Ariz. – There will be two first-round rookie offensive linemen on the field here Saturday afternoon in Cowboys center Travis Frederick and Cardinals guard Jonathan Cooper.
It might surprise you to hear that of the two Frederick is the one enjoying a solid preseason.
A North Carolina alumnus, Cooper was the seventh overall pick in the draft in April. Much to the dismay of many of their fans, the Cowboys traded down 13 spots from No. 18 to select Frederick out of Wisconsin.
Despite their draft status, Frederick has been the one drawing rave reviews from his coaches and teammates. Cooper, meanwhile, struggled in Arizona’s preseason-opening win over Green Bay last week.
“He’s incredible smart,” Dallas assistant offensive line coach Frank Pollack said of Frederick in an interview with the team’s web site. “For a young guy, especially with a lot of the stuff we’re doing in the run game and from a protection standpoint, he always has everyone targeted correctly. He’s on his calls. He knows his adjustments.
“For a rookie center to come out here and do that…is impressive, real impressive.”
Meanwhile, Cooper is still trying to get over his rookie jitters. He said his technique against the Packers was “very rookie of me,” according to The Arizona Republic.
“Just kind of wild and flailing instead of being sound and just (having) a smooth transition through everything,” Cooper said.
Does all this mean Frederick will be better than Cooper? It would be ridiculous to make that claim at this early juncture, but one thing is certain: When it comes to poise and an ability to grasp the pro game, Frederick is definitely enjoying the earlier easier transition.
Continue reading...
It might surprise you to hear that of the two Frederick is the one enjoying a solid preseason.
A North Carolina alumnus, Cooper was the seventh overall pick in the draft in April. Much to the dismay of many of their fans, the Cowboys traded down 13 spots from No. 18 to select Frederick out of Wisconsin.
Despite their draft status, Frederick has been the one drawing rave reviews from his coaches and teammates. Cooper, meanwhile, struggled in Arizona’s preseason-opening win over Green Bay last week.
“He’s incredible smart,” Dallas assistant offensive line coach Frank Pollack said of Frederick in an interview with the team’s web site. “For a young guy, especially with a lot of the stuff we’re doing in the run game and from a protection standpoint, he always has everyone targeted correctly. He’s on his calls. He knows his adjustments.
“For a rookie center to come out here and do that…is impressive, real impressive.”
Meanwhile, Cooper is still trying to get over his rookie jitters. He said his technique against the Packers was “very rookie of me,” according to The Arizona Republic.
“Just kind of wild and flailing instead of being sound and just (having) a smooth transition through everything,” Cooper said.
Does all this mean Frederick will be better than Cooper? It would be ridiculous to make that claim at this early juncture, but one thing is certain: When it comes to poise and an ability to grasp the pro game, Frederick is definitely enjoying the earlier easier transition.
Continue reading...