Anez Cooper didn't take long to make a strong first impression with the New York Jets. The sixth-round pick out of Miami put together one of the better rookie performances along the offensive line during the opening week of the preseason. Cooper played right guard and showed that he could hold up in both phases, giving the Jets something to feel good about as they continue sorting out their offensive line.
His pass protection was super clean. Cooper played 20 pass-blocking snaps and didn't allow a sack, hit or hurry. That's exactly the kind of outing an offensive lineman wants, especially when he's trying to earn more chances.
More sports: Rams’ Puka Nacua Has to Avoid a ‘Year With Struggles’ He was also effective as a run blocker, showing that his value doesn't have to be limited to keeping the quarterback clean. Cooper earned PFF grades above 85.0 in both run blocking and pass protection, an impressive balance for a rookie making his first appearance. He finished the week with a 90.9 overall PFF grade, making him the highest-graded rookie offensive lineman during the first week of preseason action, per their stats.
That's a great start for a sixth-round pick. The Jets still have lots to figure out along the offensive line, and one preseason performance won't settle everything. Cooper will need to prove he can maintain that level as the competition gets tougher and the preseason moves along.
But, he has already given New York a reason to give him more looks. Sports news: Commanders’ Dan Quinn is Under Extra Pressure This Season Gordon McGuinness of PFF ranked Cooper among the best rookies in the NFL so far, adding to the early buzz around the young player. The biggest takeaway may simply be how little Cooper gave up.
Twenty pass-blocking snaps without allowing a sack, hit or hurry is the sort of stat that stands out. Now, the challenge is doing it again.
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