He’s proven himself, he has gotten his contract – now its time to enjoy his peak.
A highly regarded prospect out of high school, Jonathon Cooper struggled early at Ohio State, before putting together an impressive senior campaign in 2020. Regarded as a situational pass-rusher who might be too slow off the line to succeed in the NFL, Cooper was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 7th round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
While Denver has not had amazing depth or competition early in his tenure, Cooper has consistently outplayed the expectations for such a low draft status. Getting 14 starts through two seasons for a 7th-round draft pick was absolutely decent value. Last season he made significant improvements. He started the entire season and hit a career-high 8.5 sacks while consistently playing a majority of snaps. Then came 2024. A starter all year, he had 20 QB hits, 10.5 sacks, 58 tackles with only one missed, continued his solid play against the run and kept his high snap count up (71%). As Nik Bonitto blossomed into a true #1 edge rusher, Cooper was able to complement him as a fierce and versatile #2 rusher who leads against the run while still recording sacks and pressures. A mid-season extension kept him in Denver for years to come.
Player Profile
Jonathon Cooper | Edge Rusher | #0
Age: 27 | Experience: 4th year | College: Ohio State
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 253 pounds
2024 stats: 17 games started, 72 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble.
How Jonathon Cooper fits in with the Broncos in 2025
Cooper will be the edge rusher who gets the most snaps, even though he is solidly entrenched as the number two pass rusher. The Broncos edge rotation of Bonitto, Cooper, Jonah Ellis, Dondrea Tillman, and rookie Que Robinson is a thing of beauty. There is both room for the reserves to continue their development, and star power to succeed. As I wrote last year, I would love to see Cooper getting fewer snaps this year – not because he’s not great, but because fewer snaps for him will mean someone else is earning those snaps by playing at a higher level. Regardless, he will be a starter and key player on the Denver defense.
Final Thoughts
There are two ways to think about the Broncos defense in 2024. PFF viewed the defense as Pat Surtain, Brandon Jones and a bunch of talentless folks somehow bumbling their way to domination, seemingly by luck. Almost everyone else saw incredible statistics and are overhyped on all members of the defense. The truth is in the middle, but the talent is real. Denver’s edge rotation is young, entering their peak, and already top of the league. Denver’s edge rushers have not gotten a ton of respect, but they have dominated, while developing. Denver was very healthy on defense last year, and here is hoping that continues. If it does, we will get to enjoy a really special season – and Jonathon Cooper will be a leader through that journey.