Gang Green Nation
The Jets recently claimed former Ravens cornerback Ryan “Bump” Cooper off waivers from the Miami Dolphins. Today we break Cooper down in detail.
The 23-year old Cooper is listed at 5’11” and 192 pounds and was undrafted out of Oregon State last season after being a two-time Pac-12 honorable mention. He played in one NFL game as a rookie but the Jets are his fourth NFL team already.
Background
Cooper ended up going down the junior college route after high school as he headed to San Mateo and was a two-year starter there. He recorded 47 tackles and four interceptions in 22 games before transferring to Oregon State ahead of the 2022 season.
In each of his two seasons with the Beavers, Cooper was named as a Pac-12 honorable mention. He had 45 tackles, 11 pass breakups and three interceptions in his first season and then (in three fewer games) had 37 tackles, seven pass breakups and a pick-six in 2023.
Cooper was invited to the scouting combine but opted not to work out and then had a disappointing pro day which contributed towards him going undrafted last April.
The Ravens signed him as an undrafted free agent and retained him on their practice squad after final cuts, elevating him for special teams duties in one October game. However, he was then released in November and spent the rest of the year on Seattle’s practice squad.
He initially signed a futures deal with Seattle but they released him in February. Miami picked him up but then released him in May, before bringing him back a few weeks later only to release him again in July.
The Jets claimed Cooper off waivers when he was released by the Dolphins for the second time last week.
Let’s move onto some more in-depth analysis of what Cooper brings to the table as a player, based on extensive research and film study.
Measurables/Athleticism
Cooper has average size, lacks length and has small hands. His athletic numbers from his pro day workout were also disappointing across the board. He only ran 4.67 in the 40-yard dash, along with poor explosiveness and agility numbers. However, he shows burst at times on film so could be said to play faster than his timed speed.
He did not do the bench press at his pro day.
Usage
Cooper is capable of playing both on the outside and in the slot, and has done both at the college level and in preseason action, although he has played more snaps inside than outside.
Coverage skills
Cooper’s coverage numbers with the Beavers weren’t bad as he gave up a catch on 56 percent of his targets for an average of 12 yards and with four total touchdowns in two seasons.
He moves well and seems to have loose hips and flexibility to stay balanced and tight to his man. This foundation enables him to jump routes well.
He was employed in zone coverage as well as man coverage, with some lapses...
