The Phinsider
Ryan Cooper Jr. appeared in 23 games over two seasons at Oregon State before entering the NFL.
The Miami Dolphins have a definitive top cornerback in Jalen Ramsey but lack depth around the three-time First-Team All-Pro.
Although the new league year and free agency don’t begin until March 12, Miami’s front office is exploring every avenue to improve the secondary. The Dolphins announced Monday that they were awarded cornerback Ryan Cooper Jr. off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks.
A 2024 undrafted free agent, Cooper spent most of last season on the Baltimore Ravens practice squad but logged six special teams snaps in Week 8. He signed a future contract with the Seattle Seahawks on Jan. 6.
Cooper was an All-Pack-12 honorable mention following his senior season at Oregon State. He recorded 37 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss and seven pass breakups, which included a 67-yard pick-six against UCLA. Before joining the Beavers, he was a two-year starter and earned All-League honors while playing for the College of San Mateo in California.
The Dolphins have a solid track record of finding cornerbacks. Nik Needham, who went undrafted in 2019, has appeared in 63 games for the franchise, and Kader Kohou, who went unselected in 2022, has established himself as a stout nickel cornerback.
Miami will continue adding to the secondary this offseason, but without a definitive starter under contract, players like Cooper, 2023 second-round pick Cam Smith, and former undrafted free agent Ethan Bonner will have opportunities to stand out during offseason activities.
