2013 NFL Combine: Guard Jonathan Cooper

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Carolina offensive lineman Jonathan Cooper speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

We are all aware that the NFL Combine has been underway and ends on Tuesday. I wrote a piece a few weeks ago titled ‘2013 NFL Draft Preview: Top 5 Offensive Linemen’, if you haven’t checked it out, please do so and come back to this piece for a look at Jonathan Coopers combine numbers.

Being 6’3 and 311 pounds, Guard Jonathan Cooper was one of the most athletic offensive linemen the Tar Heels had and could possibly be their highest drafted lineman in Tar Heels history.

He could potentially be a leader on an offensive line where ever he may get drafted. I had him going at the #20 spot for the Chicago Bears who we know are looking to improve their struggling offensive line.

Has quick foot work and is good when it comes to both pass and run blocking. The ability for him to get off the ball and seal his block is beautiful, has the speed to get to linebackers. Frame work is excellent, this is what you look for when you want to improve your offensive line and help keep your offensive consistent on a game to game basis.

A look back at my previous look at Jonathan Cooper (my Top 5 Offensive Linemen piece) if you haven’t had a chance to look at it. He did stay healthy in his last two seasons with the Tar Heels. Recording double digit pancake blocks in 9 of 12 games last season, while leading the way for one of the best rushing games in the NCAA where they averaged 198 yards a game.

Cooper started off as a Center but was later moved to Guard as a red shirt freshman where he earned All-ACC Freshman honors. This could be good when it comes time to him being drafted, opening up options for his offensive line coach if they have to move players around to get the right combination down on the front line.

NFL Combine Numbers (Grade: 86.9) –

40 YD Dash – 5.07 sec

Bench Press – 35 reps (Top Performer)

Vertical Jump – 27 inches

Broad Jump – 108 inches (Top Performer)

3 Cone Drill – 7.78 sec

20 YD Shuttle – 4.84 sec