In order to familiarize fans with some of the top names in the 2013 NFL Draft, Chargers.com will be highlighting a different prospect each weekday leading up to the first day of the draft on April 25th.
We continue the series with a scouting report of North Carolina offensive guard Jonathan Cooper.
Name: Jonathan Cooper
School: North Carolina
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 311 LBS
Position: Offensive Guard
Photo Gallery: Jonathan Cooper in action | More Photos
The offensive line is considered a deep position in this year’s draft, and UNC’s guard Jonathan Cooper has established himself as one of the top prospects in a strong group.
The 6-foot-2, 311-pound mauler is a dominant force up front that is equally adept at handling both bull rushers and finesse pass rushers. Cooper is also equally effective against the run and the pass. With his great speed and athleticism, UNC used him a lot to pull to both the left and the right in the run game to take on linebackers at the second level. In the passing game, he uses his quick feet and impressive arm length to jolt defensive linemen with ease.
Just as important as his physical tools is Cooper’s mental approach to the game. According to scouting reports he has great awareness and makes strong decisions in a blink of an eye on which guy to attack once the ball is snapped. He also plays with a mean streak and toughness coaches look for in an offensive lineman.
Cooper is fresh off a dominant senior season that earned him numerous accolades, including being named to the first-team All-American and All-ACC teams as well as earning the ACC Jacobs Blocking Trophy, which is awarded to the conference’s best blocker.
Most project Cooper to not only be an instant starter in 2013, but to be effective right off the bat as a rookie.
Combine Metrics
40-yard Dash: 5.07
Bench Press: 35 reps
Vertical Jump: 27.0 inches
Broad Jump: 108.0 inches
3-Cone Drill: 7.78
The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed above do not represent the opinions or policies of the San Diego Chargers’ front office staff, coaches or executives.
