Jun. 11, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA: Arizona Cardinals guard Jonathan Cooper during mini camp at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Offensive lineman Jonathan Cooper was the Arizona Cardinals’ first pick in the NFL Draft. So far the 6’2” 311-lb rookie out of North Carolina has earned a starting spot at left guard. Cooper should make an immediate impact this season, however the Cardinals have yet to sign him.
Cooper has been working out and and participating with the team this offseason and has earned a spot starting on the offensive line. They even needed to do some shuffling around on line to make sure he would play at left guard, the same position he played as a Tar Heel. Head coach Bruce Arians feels good about Cooper’s ability and has given him a large amount of reps in practice.
Arians said Cooper has gotten so many reps in practice that he is hardly a rookie anymore. Left tackle Levi Brown will be returning to the line this season, Daryn Colledge will move to right guard. Lyle Sendlein will start at center and Bobby Massie will be at right tackle. Strong play from the offensive line will be needed in order for Arians’ offense to be successful.
The Cardinals signed third-round draft pick Tyrann Mathieu in May and fourth-round picks Alex Okafor and Earl Watford in June. Since then Cooper has remained the only unsigned draft pick for over a month now.
Cooper will be signed sooner than later. Last year first-round pick Michael Floyd was among the last to be signed and that was in June. Cooper does not seem to be stressing about it too much and appears to be keeping his focus on football.