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Jonathan Cooper OG North Carolina #64
Wt: 311
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Size/Athleticism: Rare athleticism for an interior lineman. Moves more like a left tackle than a guard. If he were two inches taller, he’d be considered a tackle and could probably play right tackle in a pinch. Has the skills to play either center or guard.
Pass Protection: Impressive awareness. Gets out of his stance quickly. Keeps his head on a swivel when not immediately engaged. Athleticism will be a real asset against elite interior pass-rushers at the next level. Not dominant against the bull rush, but holds his own. Does a nice job staying low to anchor against the bull rush. Impressive upper body strength (35 bench reps at combine) helps him to fight off more physical linemen. Will need help holding off larger nose tackles at the next level.
Run Blocking: Mobility is his biggest asset in run blocking. Does a great job getting to his assignment when pulling. Gets to the second level with ease and can pick up blocks on the move. Stronger and more physical than he gets credit for, but he will lose some battles against stronger nose tackles. He occasionally got tossed to the ground when he lost his balance against bigger defensive tackles.
Intangibles: Four-year starter with 47 career starts. High school wrestler.
Durability: Missed time with an ankle injury in 2009. Underwent shoulder surgery during 2012 offseason.
Comments: Cooper will be considered an elite prospect by teams running a zone blocking scheme. His athleticism and mobility make him perfect for the system, especially for those teams who also have a mobile quarterback and are running some form of the read-option. For this reason, Cooper will be the top rated interior lineman on many boards, even though Chance Warmack is the consensus top overall prospect.
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