March 20, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher speaks during a press conference at the annual NFL meetings at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

What happens with this pick will really depends on who the Rams select with the 16th pick. The Rams, while improved, still have some pretty big holes on their roster. They really need 2 new starting safeties, Quintin Mikell was released while Craig Dahl signed with the 49ers this offseason. The Rams also need a #1 WR to pair with Chris Givens, as well as a slot WR to replace Danny Amendola who left for New England. They could use an upgrade at the offensive guard position to help protect Bradford and open up running holes. Some dark horse positions to watch for would be DT,  Kendall Langford who wasn’t very good last year needs some competition and a TE who could pair with Jared Cook, giving Bradford more weapons.

Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl north squad defensive back Jonathan Cyprien of Florida International (37) prior to kickoff of a game against the Senior Bowl south squad at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Cyprien – He has risen up the draft boards extremely quick since the season ended. He has the prototypical size that you want in a NFL safety. Cyprien has a very aggressive playing style which can lead to a lot of big plays, but at times can lead to big plays for the opposing team. Always goes full speed and gives his full effort. Has great ball skill and has shown the ability to extend and grab the ball out of the air. Played his best games against the best competition he played, including Louisville and potential top 5 pick next year, Teddy Bridgewater. Played a lot of two deep coverage at FIU, so some question his ability to be a true center fielder, but shows glimpses of that ability. At times will try to tackle up high on the ball carrier, causing him to miss some tackles.

Sep 8, 2012; Winston Salem, NC, USA North Carolina Tar Heels guard Jonathan Cooper (64) lines up in the game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB

Jonathan Cooper –  The Rams have to protect Sam Bradford better if they want to have a chance at the division title against Seattle and San Fransisco. Signing Jake Long was a huge addition if he can stay healthy. Moving Roger Saffold to RT would be be the ideal move, but there have been rumors of him wanting to be traded. If they can keep him they would have a great set of bookends. Cooper is an athletic OG who can get outside and get to the second level extremely well. If they make Pead their #1 RB, they will need someone out in front of him. Cooper gets to the 2nd level as well as any OG who has came out recently. He can however, be pushed back by a bigger, stronger defensive tackle if he allows his pad level to rise.

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears jumped out of the gate to a 7-1 start and were being seen as Super Bowl contenders. Then injuries came and plagued them and they only went 3-5 down the stretch, missing the playoffs. Jay Cutler suffered a concussion in a loss to the Texans and some key defenders got injured. protecting Jay Cutler better this season has to be the Bears main priority. They signed Jermon Bushrod, but he wasn’t an elite level tackle while in New Orleans with those great guards on the line with him. The Bears also need to draft a replacement for Brian Urlacher. Alshon Jeffery should take over the #2 WR role this year, but they could still use some more weapons for Cutler.

Sep 8, 2012; Winston Salem, NC, USA North Carolina Tar Heels guard Jonathan Cooper (64) plays in the game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB

Jonathan Cooper – The Bears have to protect Jay Cutler better this year. They signed Jermon Bushrod in the offseason expecting him to be their starting LT and bringing in Cooper would be another huge step in making that line respectable. Cooper is an extremely athletic guard who can move as well left as he can right. With a team that likes to get the ball in Matt Fortes hands in a number of ways, including the passing game, a guard who can get upfield with him is necessary. Cooper gets to the 2nd level as well as any guard in recent memory. He isn’t as strong as Chance Warmack and can tend to get pushed back by bigger, stronger DTs.

September 29, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Rashad Greene (80) is congratulated by offensive linesman Menelik Watson (71) after they scored a touchdown against the South Florida Bulls during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Menelik Watson – Even though the Bears signed Jermon Bushrod, I don’t think an offensive tackle is out of the question here. Watson can come in and play right tackle from day 1. He is still raw, but is an amazing athlete and an explosive player. Watson is also an insurance policy in case newly signed Bushrod doesn’t play as well as hoped. Watson has an explosive first step and good quickness and mobility. Is flexible and has a powerful punch against defenders. Gets to the 2nd level very well. Is still raw with limited playing experience and because of this his footwork still needs some work.

Oct 21, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones point to the fans prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

The Cowboys are undergoing a major change this offseason in switching from the 3-4 to a 4-3. This is a major risk when you have one of the best 3-4 OLBs in the league in DeMarcus Ware. Tony Romo was his normal self last year, making some spectacular throws and then making some absolutely head scratching throws. He threw 19 INTs last year, which he has to bring down this year if Dallas wants to make the playoffs. DeMarco Murrays injury concerns are showing, as he has yet to stay healthy an entire season in his first 2 years. The offensive line is also a big worry for the Cowboys. They need help in the middle of that line at both guard spots and at center. They also need help at safety. They got their cornerbacks last year in Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne.

Sept 1, 2012; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns free safety Kenny Vaccaro (4) intercepts a pass intended for Wyoming Cowboys wide receiver Chris McNeil (80) during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

Kenny Vaccaro - The Cowboys safeties last year were really bad. They released Gerald Sensabaugh in early March and Barry Church may not be 100% at the start of the season after tearing his Achilles. Vaccaro gives the Cowboys a lot of versatility at safety, having the ability to drop down and cover the slot WR or dropping back into zone coverage. Vaccro didn’t produce many turnovers at Texas, which causes some concern about his ability to be a true centerfielder back there. He is very aggressive in the run game, coming up and making a play on the ball carrier very quickly. He can get overly aggressive at times however, causing missed tackles.

Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl north squad defensive back Jonathan Cyprien of Florida International (37) prior to kickoff of a game against the Senior Bowl south squad at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Cyprien – If Vaccro is taken by a team before the Cowboys pick, or possibly even if he is there, the Cowboys could go with Cyprien. He has flown up the draft boards since the Senior Bowl. Cyprien is a physical, aggressive safety  who plays every snap with a full speed effort. He really enjoys the physical nature of the safety position, hitting the ball carrier with a pop and refusing to relent. He has shown good ball skills, showing the ability to extend and grab the ball out of the air. Played some of his best games against the top competition he played. Does occasionally tackle players up high.

March 19, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin answers questions from reporters during the annual NFL meetings at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers seemed to be the opposite of what we expect from them last year. Usually when the game is on the line, Ben Roethlisberger is as clutch as they come. However, this year he made some bad mistakes in crucial situations down the stretch of the season. The pass rush that they had been known for took a step back, only getting 37 sacks, which was good for 15th in the league. They still had the 6th best defense in terms of points per game allowed, but they had the 9th worst turnover differential in the league with -10. These turnovers helped cause the Steelers to have the 10th worst offense as far as points per game goes, scoring only 21 per game. The Steelers also lost some big free agents in the offseason. Mike Wallace signed with the Dolphins, James Harrison was cut and has yet to sign with anyone, while Keenan Lewis signed with the Saints and Ryan Mundy signed with the Giants.

Oct 27, 2012; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jarvis Jones (29) tackles Florida Gators quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) during the game against the Florida Gators at EverBank Field. The Bulldogs won 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

Jarvis Jones – The weakness on the Steelers that has been getting the most press is that of a pass rusher. With the release of James Harrison, the Steelers need help on the edge. Jarvis Jones is one of, if not the best pass rusher in this draft. Jones is an absolute playmaker off of the edge. He racked up 14.5 sacks and 24.5 tackles for a loss last year at Georgia. On top of that, he also forced 7 fumbles even though he missed 2 games. Has great flexibility to dip under the OT and get around him. Has a knack for knocking the ball out when he sacks the QB. He is athletic enough to drop into coverage and has some experience in it. Does have the spinal stenosis that teams have to do their homework on, but without that he is an easy top 5 pick.

Sept 1, 2012; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns free safety Kenny Vaccaro (4) intercepts a pass intended for Wyoming Cowboys wide receiver Chris McNeil (80) during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

Kenny Vaccaro – Troy Polamalu has been one of the top players in the NFL for a while now, but his all out type of play is starting to catch up with him, getting hurt too often. Ryan Clark is also getting up there in years, he will turn 34 just after the season starts. Vaccaro is a versatile player who can drop down and cover the slot WR or drop back and play deep. He didn’t produce as many turnovers as you would have liked at Texas, making some wonder if he can be a true center fielder in the NFL. He is a very aggressive run defender and is usually reliable in the open field. Though at times he can get overaggressive and miss tackles, just watch the Oklahoma State game and watch what Joseph Randle does to him on the first run of the game.

March 20, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher answers questions from reporters during a press conference at the annual NFL meetings at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

The Rams really improved last year, much of which should be attributed to Jeff Fisher. Fisher came in, changed the culture in St. Louis and got this team going. They traded for Cortland Finnegan and drafted Janoris Jenkins which really helped their secondary. They still have huge holes at the safety position and they have to address that this offseason. The Rams signed Jake Long this offseason, taking care of the LT position,as well as the RT position because they can move Rodger Saffold there. The signing of Jared Cook also gives them a legitimate threat at the TE position for Sam Bradford. Danny Amendola left St. Louis and signed with the Patriots this offseason, which made an average WR group even worse. Brian Quick could develop into that #1 WR but he is still quite raw. The Rams could also use an OG to better protect Bradford and open up holes for Isaiah Pead and Daryl Richardson.

Sep 8, 2012; Winston Salem, NC, USA North Carolina Tar Heels guard Jonathan Cooper (64) blocks during a pass play in the second quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB

Jonathan Cooper - The Rams have to protect Sam Bradford better if they want to battle with Seattle and San Fran for the division title. They took a step in the right direction when they signed Jake Long this offseason. If they can keep Rodger Saffold on the team to play the RT position then they have a great set of bookends. Cooper is an athletic OG who can get outside and block upfield for his RB. If they make Pead their #1 RB, they will need someone to get out front of him. Cooper gets to the 2nd level as well as any OG who has came out recently. He can however, be pushed back by a bigger, stronger defensive tackle if he allows his pad level to rise.

September 29, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver CordarrellePatterson (84) runs after a catch in the second half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. The Bulldogs won 51-44. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Cordarrelle Patterson – The Rams have got to get some weapons for Sam Bradford. They signed Jared Cook this offseason and that gives Bradford a big weapon at the TE position. Chris Givens played much better than expected last season and was a good deep threat, but he isn’t that #1 WR that the Rams need. Brian Quick could potentially become that, but he was raw coming out of Appalachian State and may never develop like they want. Patterson is the best WR prospect in this class and should be a prototypical number 1. He is a big, strong, fast WR who is being compared to Julio Jones. He has the ability to shake defensive backs off and make the big play. He is still raw and isn’t really a very good route runner.

Nov 10, 2012; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Jonathan Cooper (64) on the field in the first half at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6’2″

Weight: 311

Position Rank: 2

Drafted By: Arizona Cardinals (1st round, 7th overall)

40 Yard Dash:  5.07

Bench Press:  35

Career Stats (via North Carolina Athletic Site)

• 2012 Consensus All-America Selection – Walter Camp, FWAA, AFCA, AP, ESPN.com, SI
• 2012 Outland Trophy Finalist
• 2012 First-Team All-ACC and ACC Jacobs Blocking Trophy Winner
• 2012 Lombari Award Candidate
• 2012 Midseason All-America Selection – SI.com, ESPN.com, Phil Steele, Sporting News
• 2010 & 2011 Second-Team All-ACC

2012 – Senior Season
Consensus All-America selection • Will have his jersey honored in Kenan Stadium • Named first-team All-ACC and was awarded the ACC Jacobs Blocking Trophy for his standout play in 2012 • In has final career game, had a team-best 10 knockdowns and graded out at 93 percent • Earned ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors after his performance in the NC State game, his second weekly honor of the year • Played every snap and graded out at 90 percent with a team-high 18 knockdown blocks • Played all 72 snaps at Duke, grading out at 91 percent with 16 knockdown blocks • Earned ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week for his performance in the win at Miami • Graded out at a team-high 93 percent on 85 snaps, the most offensive plays by UNC since 2003 • Finished with 12 knockdowns and had several key blocks on long runs by Giovani Bernard • Graded out at 89 percent with 14 knockdowns and helped pave the way for 339 rushing yards, the most for Carolina since 2004 • Graded out at a team-best 91 percent on 51 snaps with 10 knockdowns in the win over Idaho • Had a team-best 12 knockdowns and no missed assignments in the win over East Carolina • Played all 64 snaps at Louisville and graded out at 86 percent with 11 knockdown blocks • Graded out at a team-best 88 percent at Wake and registered 12 knockdowns while appearing in all 84 plays of the game • Had 12 knockdowns in 53 snaps and graded out at 89 percent in the opener against Elon.

2011 – Junior Season
Earned second-team All-ACC honors for his play at left guard • Along with left tackle James Hurst, part of the first Carolina offensive line tandem to earn All-ACC honors since 1993 • Started all 13 games • Saw action on 864 plays and graded out at 86 percent for the season, good for second on the team • Helped pave the way for Giovani Bernard to gain 1,253 rushing yards, the first time a Tar Heel back has rushed for over 1,000 yards since 1997 • Finished with a team-best 47 regular-season knockdown blocks • Graded out at 94 percent with six knockdowns in the regular season finale against Duke • Played all 63 snaps and had five knockdowns at Virginia Tech • Saw action on 72 snaps and had three knockdowns against Wake Forest • Graded out at a team-best 89 percent with six knockdowns at Clemson • Had a season-high seven knockdowns and played all 79 snaps against Miami • Played all 54 snaps and graded out at 87 percent against Louisville • Played all 61 snaps with three knockdowns at East Carolina • Played all 53 snaps and graded out at 85 percent with five knockdowns at Georgia Tech • Played all 66 snaps and graded out at 86 percent with four knockdowns against Virginia • Had a team-high four knockdowns and saw action on all 58 snaps against Rutgers • Graded out at a team-high 88 percent in the opener against James Madison.

2010 – Sophomore Season
Earned second-team All-ACC honors at offensive guard • Started all 13 games in the regular season and played a team-high 875 snaps • Has started 23 games over two seasons, missing three games due to injury during his freshman year • Led the Tar Heels in knock-down blocks for the second straight year with 55 on the season • Graded out at 83 percent for the season, tied with James Hurst for the best mark on the team • Played on 74 snaps vs. Tennessee and helped the Tar Heels rush for 151 yards • Played all 84 snaps against Duke and had six knock-downs • Graded out at 78 percent for the NC State game with a team-best three knock-downs • Played all 69 snaps and graded out at 85 percent against Virginia Tech • Graded out a team-best 87 percent with four knock-downs against Florida State • Played all 71 snaps against William & Mary, grading out at a season-best 92 percent with seven knock-downs • Graded out at 88 percent with four knock-downs at Virginia • Graded out at 81 percent with four knock-downs against Clemson • Had a season-best nine knock-downs against East Carolina • Graded out at a team-best 91 percent with seven knock-downs at Rutgers • Had a team-high four knock-downs and graded out at 82 percent against Georgia Tech.

2009 – Redshirt Freshman Season
Named to the All-ACC freshman team by The Sporting News • Redshirt freshman that started 10 games at left guard and saw action on 579 snaps • Owned a 73-percent grade and a team-best 40 knock-down blocks on the season despite missing three games • Tallied two knock-downs at NC State • Had a team-high six knock-downs at Boston College • Graded at a team-best 81 percent and had three knock-downs against Miami • Notched a team-high eight knock-downs and a 77 percent grade against Duke • Logged a 75-percent grade and a game-high 10 knock-down blocks at Virginia Tech • Graded at 74 percent against Florida State • Sat out the Connecticut, Georgia Tech and Virginia games due to an ankle injury but returned to starting lineup against Georgia Southern and posted an 81-percent grade and three knock-downs blocks • Logged a team-best 82 percent grade and three knock-downs versus East Carolina • Posted two knock-down blocks against The Citadel • Redshirted in 2008.

Hoggard High School
Ranked the No. 8 player in North Carolina and the No. 21 offensive guard in the country by Rivals.com • Voted the conference’s player of the year as an offensive lineman • Played mostly guard in high school, but also played defensive end • Helped Hoggard claim the state 4-A championship as a senior, paving the way for three players who rushed for 600 yards or more • Hoggard won the title with a 16-0 record • Considered the No. 14 player in North Carolina by SuperPrep • Earned all-state honors as a senior • Also a standout heavyweight wrestler • Coached by Scott Braswell.

Personal
Son of Velma and Michael Cooper • One of his brothers attends NC State, a sister attends Meredith College, and another sister lives in Durham • Born Jonathan Javell Cooper on Jan. 19, 1990 • Nickname is “Coop” • People say he looks like actor Michael Clarke Duncan • Would like to appear on the TV show, “Making The Band” • Has four siblings – Gina, Michael, Jasmine and Joshua • Favorite NFL team is the Carolina Panthers • Communications major.

Scouting Report/Player Notes

Cooper is about as good as they come for a guard prospect. He has ideal height, weight, speed, and strength for his position in the NFL, and collegiate production to boot. He was a consensus All-American at the University of North Carolina where he opened up running lanes for one of the most prolific backs in the country (Giovanni Bernard) and an aerial attack that was much improved in 2012. Cooper can be a starting guard in the NFL for years to come if he keeps his head on straight, which to this point hasn’t been a problem. He not only possesses great power and ability to pull, but he is a very athletic big man. When he gets to the NFL, he will likely step in and start immediately, playing at a very high level.

Video Highlights (via YouTube)