5 Ohio State prospects the Panthers should consider drafting in 2021
By Dean Jones
Jonathon Cooper – DE
It’s no secret that the Carolina Panthers could use another explosive edge player who is capable of generating consistent pressure in opposing backfields. Things did improve regarding sack numbers as the season went on, but Phil Snow’s unit can ill-afford another poor start to the campaign next time around.
Someone like Jonathon Cooper has everything one looks for in a prolific pass-rusher at the next level. He is a physically imposing individual that is just scratching the surface as to how good he can be, with the player also recovering well from a serious injury suffered in 2019 that restricted him to just four games.
An exceptionally high motor is one thing that really stands out on film where Cooper is concerned. The edge rusher is absolutely relentless and is refined enough from a technical perspective to slot into the rotation from the word go.
Adding Cooper to a pass-rush that also includes Brian Burns, Yetur Gross-Matos, and Derrick Brown would give Carolina four exciting young talents who can all make a difference on any given down. The Ohio State star is projected to be a mid-round selection, although that could change if a specific team becomes enamored with his outstanding skill set during the assessment period.