Xavier

Cooper

The season-ending injury to Desmond Bryant opened up a huge hole along the defensive line. A third-round pick last year, Cooper should get the first crack at filling it, but he will likely share time with rookie Carl Nassib. John Hughes should start at the other end spot. The Browns are going to get run all over this year.

A 2015 third-rounder, Cooper never lived up to his draft status. He should resurface as a situational three-technique rusher.

The No. 96 overall pick of the 2015 draft, Cooper made 27 appearances over the past two seasons, but was a sub-replacement player. The 49ers will see if he can take a step forward as part of their rotation.

By adding Cooper to first-round DT Danny Shelton, the Browns are sporting a deep defensive line that also includes free agent addition Randy Starks. Johnson is a versatile H-back type.

Cooper (6'3/293) made 34 starts for the Cougars, amassing 31.5 TFLs, 13 sacks, and three forced fumbles. He displayed plus athleticism for his size in Indianapolis, running 4.86 with a 9-foot-2 broad jump and 7.23 three-cone time. Cooper has short arms (31 1/2") and isn’t much of a run defender, but he is a quick-footed inside rusher with aggressive hand use. Cooper projects as a three-technique penetrator and should push for snaps right away on passing downs.

The 96th overall pick in the 2015 draft by the Browns, Cooper has bounced around with the 49ers and Jets since being cut by Cleveland. He earned a significant role with last year’s Jets, playing over 300 snaps in a rotation. Cooper is technically a 3-4 defensive end but primarily plays on the interior.