Jonathon Cooper
DE, Ohio St. · 2021 NFL Draft, Round 7, pick #239 (DEN)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: availability. Details below.
- Availability
Played 81 of ~85 possible regular-season games from 2021 through 2025 (~95%).
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #300 (#26 at his position); he went #239, 61 spots earlier. So teams were actually higher on him than the media board was; everyone underrated him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 48.9% of the time (896 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
23 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.4% of the time (2,127 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Ohio St.: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.69 40-yard dash at 253 lbs: faster than 85% of DLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
DE (DL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53% of the time (966 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 81 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 4 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 32 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 0.3 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 32.3 |
| Defense | 145 tackles, 31.5 sacks, 1 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2025 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2021 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2021 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Pre-draft rankings Taken 32+ picks before ESPN's rank | 48.9% n=896 | |
| Age 23 | 50.4% n=2,127 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 | |
| Position DL | 53.0% n=966 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 2", 253 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.69 s |
| Bench press | 28 reps |
| Vertical | 33" |
| Broad jump | 108" |
| 3-cone | 6.99 s |
| Shuttle | 4.31 s |
| Arm / hand | 32.13" / 9.63" |
| Age at draft | 23 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #300 overall (#26 DE) |
Picked around him 2021 redraft
| 236 | Jack Anderson | redraft #192 |
| 237 | Kary Vincent Jr. | redraft #243 |
| 238 | Matt Farniok | redraft #182 |
| 240 | William Bradley-King | redraft #232 |
| 241 | Mark Webb | redraft #225 |
| 242 | Tre Nixon | redraft #256 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.