4 players the Panthers should have drafted over Thomas Fletcher
By Dean Jones
Jonathon Cooper – DE/OLB
The plight of Jonathon Cooper throughout the evaluation process was similar to Trey Smith’s in the sense that his talent was there for all to see, even if the sample size was much smaller than other edge rushers who went ahead of the former Ohio State star.
Cooper was picked up by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round at No. 239 overall. A shrewd bit of business by their front office judging by early indicators.
The athletic player fitted in seamlessly within the organization to earn a roster spot. Not only this, but Cooper has also been gaining notable reps on the rotation and there is a lot to like about his chances moving forward.
Phil Snow’s defense on the Carolina Panthers has a ton of talent. Something the coordinator is scheming up well through the first four games of the 2021 season.
However, with Marquis Haynes out of contract next spring and Yetur Gross-Matos’ injury problems hampering his development, someone like Cooper could have been a nice development project to call upon when needed.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing to have. But this was a nice spot for Cooper to learn behind two outstanding veterans in Von Miller and Bradley Chubb.