Summary

Jonathon Cooper was drafted in the 2021 NFL Draft, Round 7, (pick 239) out of Ohio State. Cooper is a high-effort, adaptable edge rusher with solid initial burst, good hand usage, and versatility in alignment. His strength lies in his motor, disruptive traits off the snap, and ability to contribute in various pass-rush roles. He may not yet possess the elite physical tools of dominant edge rushers, but his polish, effort and adaptability give him significant value.

He projects as a player who can make an impact in sub-packages, act as a designated pass-rusher, and maybe develop into more with refinement. The key will be his technical growth—expanding his counter moves, improving bend and flexibility, and proving he can stay effective in the run-game and across full workloads.

Strengths

• High motor & effort-driven play: Cooper is praised for his hustle, persistence, and competitive toughness; he routinely pursues plays, uses effort to win one-on-ones, and doesn’t quit on plays. Big Blue View

• Solid first step & burst off the line: Film notes indicate he shows a crisp jump off the snap, good initial explosion, and the ability to disrupt blockers from the outset. Big Blue View

• Hand usage and point-of-attack strength flashes: He has shown ability to use his hands effectively, engage blockers with violent hand strikes, and win at the point when he sustains leverage. NFL Draft Buzz

• Versatility & scheme flexibility: With experience aligning in different fronts (3-tech/4-3 DE) and in sub-packages, Cooper offers adaptability in multiple defensive systems. Big Blue View

Weaknesses

• Technique and pass-rush move-set limitations: Evaluations note that Cooper hasn’t yet developed a deep repertoire of reliable counters or finesse moves; he can be one-dimensional when his first move is stopped. NFL Draft Buzz

• Lower-body bend and flexibility concerns: Reports indicate he struggles with bending the edge, hip/ankle flexibility, and getting underneath blockers in some scenarios—which limits his ability to consistently win off the edge. Big Blue View

• Length and physical trait ceiling: While his traits are good, he is not viewed as an elite physical specimen compared to some top edge rushers; that may cap his upside as a dominant player. PFSN

• Run-defense profile and every-down projection: Some evaluations suggest he is more suited to a rotational/third-down edge role rather than every-down starter until further development. Big Blue View

Fit & Outlook

• Fit:
  Cooper fits best in a defense that uses multiple fronts, rotates edge rushers frequently, and emphasizes scheming to his strengths (i.e., using his burst and hand usage rather than relying solely on overpowering size). He is well-suited to systems that deploy him in pass-rush situations, stunt him inside, or use him in sub-package roles where his motor and burst shine.

• Outlook:

• Short-Term: Expect Cooper to contribute heavily as a rotational pass rusher and situational edge threat. He should see increasing snaps and possibly more starting opportunities as he develops.

• Medium-Term: If he improves his bend, move-set variety, and consistency, Cooper could transition into a regular starter and key defensive contributor. His ceiling is that of a productive starter rather than a guaranteed elite edge.