Atlanta Falcons Free agent targets: Jonathan Cooper or Xavier Su’a-Filo?
By Randy Gurzi
Jonathan Cooper, OG, 28-years old,
Experience: 5 years, 27 career starts
Cooper, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, struggled with injuries early in his career. That led to his departure from the Arizona Cardinals, who traded him to the New England Patriots in 2016. He never caught on there, and wound up with the Cleveland Browns where he started three games before being cut.
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He finished the season as a reserve with the Dallas Cowboys before becoming a starter in 2017 for 13 games. Cooper was graded a 67.0 by Pro Football Focus, which is nothing to be too excited about, but that was way better than both Schweitzer and Garland who fell at a 43.7 and 44.6 respectively.
Cooper also has more experience that Schweitzer and could possibly be an upgrade at right guard. Not only was he playing better for Dallas as the season went on, but he also has experience at both guard spots and center — which means he could double up on a game day roster by serving as the number two center behind Alex Mack.
Therein lies the con. Cooper looks to be a legitimate starter, which means he may be looking for somewhere to afford him that chance. While he would be a perfect reserve interior lineman, he may not be willing to sign with a team rumored to be looking at guard with a high pick.
Of course, they could use the signing of Cooper to push back the need to draft a player high. Let’s be honest, they could do a lot worse — like entering the season with Schweitzer as the best option.