Overview
Highly physical linebacker with elite top-end speed and a burning desire to get to the football that can lead to some inconsistencies in his play. Cooper is average at diagnosing the run but takes off around traffic on a mission to find the ball-carrier once he sees it. He can be undisciplined playing his run fits and takes unorthodox paths downhill, but he somehow finds ways to slither around blocks and make challenging tackles. Cooper is a punishing hitter/tackler from any spot on the field, but he’s going to overshoot the mark from time to time due to his lack of control in pursuit. He’s a capable quarterback spy, can blitz the pocket and will be an instant hit on special teams, but teams will need to balance the inconsistencies with the passionate run-and-hit mentality.
Strengths
- Plays each snap with unbridled passion and intensity.
- Much more responsive and decisive in 2023 than he was in 2022.
- Possesses elite long speed to walk down his tackle targets.
- Skilled block dodger with ability to play around traffic without slowing much.
- Terrific job of sniffing out screens and spying athletic quarterbacks.
- Good blitzer with adequate cover skills as zone dropper.
- Brings the thunder as a forceful striker.
Weaknesses
- Occasionally loses track of the football while searching the mesh point.
- Could struggle with consistency of diagnosis needed inside.
- Needs to drop pad level during block take-ons.
- Undisciplined with scrape technique and plugging his run fits.
- Lack of knee bend leads to inconsistencies as an open-field tackler.
