Summary

Jonathon Cooper was selected in Round 7 (#239 Overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Ohio State University. A former high-profile recruit whose college career was impacted by injuries, Cooper flashed high-end pass-rush ability when healthy, finishing his Buckeye career with 10 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, and consistent pressure production in a rotational role. In the NFL, Cooper has significantly outperformed his draft slot, developing into a productive edge rusher and rotational starter for Denver. Through the 2024 season, he has recorded 20+ career sacks, 40+ quarterback hits, and numerous tackles for loss, emerging as one of the Broncos’ most efficient pressure generators. Cooper has earned internal team recognition for his development and is widely regarded as a high-character, resilient, and intrinsically motivated professional, praised for work ethic, toughness, and perseverance after overcoming early-career adversity.

Strengths

• First-Step Quickness: Explosive get-off stresses tackles immediately. Redirects well on stunts and second-effort rushes.

• Pass-Rush Efficiency: Wins with an array of pass power and finesse rush moves and will try to set up lineman with a wide step to get them off balance before converting to power.

• Motor & Effort: Relentless pursuit and wins late in downs. Active hands with developing counters and plays with urgency and edge.

• Bend & Flexibility: Effective cornering ability around the edge. Shows good ankle flexion to strain through duress and continue his momentum into rush lanes.

Weaknesses

• Run Defense Consistency: Can be displaced by power schemes and lacks ideal mass (2.92 Measurables score) to consistently set firm edges.

• Coverage Utility: Limited value in drop responsibilities. Very much of “forward moving” player.

• Snap Volume Ceiling: Best effectiveness comes with managed usage, especially at home at altitude.

• Physical Matchups: Can struggle vs. elite tackles with length and power.

Outlook

Cooper is an excellent fit for Denver’s attacking, edge-focused defensive approach, where his burst and effort can be maximized in rotational and sub-package roles. He profiles best as a stand-up edge rusher or weak-side defensive end, particularly on passing downs where he can exploit matchups with speed and relentless effort. His presence allows Denver to maintain pressure without overextending snap counts for any single rusher. Looking ahead, Cooper projects as a high-floor rotational starter with upside to continue producing as a primary pass rusher. While he may not profile as a traditional every-down edge due to size limitations, his explosiveness, motor, and development trajectory give him sustained value and meaningful impact. For Denver, Cooper represents a development success story and a reliable pressure piece capable of influencing games through disruption rather than sheer volume.