STRENGTHS
Cooper has been a play-making machine for his team in the backfield and on special teams. He is very smart and shows excellent communication and leadership skills on the field. Cooper has excellent hands to intercept the ball, as good as most receivers in this draft. He is adept at tricking quarterbacks into interceptions. He does a solid job when tackling and supporting the run. Cooper has played a lot of snaps in a match-up zone, off the line of scrimmage, type of defense and has been an impact defensive back for his college team. What he brings to the next level is a high football IQ and excellent leadership skills for the team that selects him.
CONCERNS
Cooper is lacking the athletic ability to play in any style of defense. He is tight in the hips and lacks the passion to tackle although he does get the job done when it is needed. He also lacks the fluidity and burst needed to cover unless the play is in front of him.
BOTTOM LINE: 3.17
The truth is that Cooper is more of a safety than a corner. That’s not because he is white, it’s because he lacks the needed athleticism to play corner unless it is in zone coverage. His ability to play corner in zone coverage and in a match-up zone coverage backfield is strictly related to his high football IQ in that style of system and not because of his athleticism. Moving him to safety is the logical progression for him unless he goes to the combine and shows that he has the athletic talent and can cover man-to-man. Right now, I see solid straight-line speed. Nevertheless, if he becomes a more aggressive tackler he could easily be moved to safety, or if he adds a few more pounds and bulk even be moved to a weakside linebacker position in the future and flourish. His high football IQ and leadership skills make me think that he can become a coach on the field if Cooper becomes flexible in what position is the best for him at the next level. If he is not willing to move to another position and insists on playing cornerback then he will be considered only as a zone coverage corner who can play special teams and that will affect his draft status. In the right system and with the right coach, and if he is willing to move to safety, I can see Cooper becoming a fan favorite and an impact player but the stars will all have to be aligned and he has to be willing to be moved to safety.
