ARIZONA CARDINALS

ESPN’s Kiper: Jonathan Cooper an ‘early impact’ player

Apr 30, 2013, 4:30 PM | Updated: 4:43 pm

If the goal when selecting in the top 10 of the NFL Draft is to find an impact player, that’s one thing.

If the goal when selecting in the top 10 of the NFL Draft is to find an impact player who will make said impact as a rookie, well, that’s a completely different issue.

At any rate, according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., in an ESPN Insider piece titled ‘Early impact from Round 1,’ the Arizona Cardinals did exactly that with first-round pick Jonathan Cooper.

If we did a poll of evaluators and asked, “Which rookie is most likely to make the Pro Bowl?” I think Cooper would get a lot of votes. He has an NFL-ready skill set, is versatile and could be a very good NFL player at either guard or center, and he’s going to start immediately. He’ll have an impact.

Cooper is expected to start for the Cardinals, probably at right guard, and if all goes according to plan will man that position for at least the next decade.

But for now, at least, it appears the team may have found itself someone who is ready to play — and play well — as a rookie.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Desmond Ridder runs the rock against Houston...

Tyler Drake

Desmond Ridder eager to remind fellow Cardinals QB Clayton Tune about college wins

Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder may not know Kyler Murray just yet, but he and Clayton Tune go way back.

15 hours ago

LSU's Malik Nabers, a top NFL Draft prospect...

Kevin Zimmerman

NFL Draft: Malik Nabers to visit Arizona Cardinals after LSU pro day, per report

Top NFL Draft receiver prospect Malik Nabers will reportedly visit with the Arizona Cardinals after the LSU Tigers' pro day.

18 hours ago

Desmond Ridder looks to pass...

Tyler Drake

QB1 or not, Desmond Ridder keeping starter mentality with Cardinals

New Cardinals QB Desmond Ridder is focused on using the good and the bad from his first two seasons rather than listening to outside chatter.

2 days ago

Jonathan Gannon and Kyler Murray look on...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals’ Jonathan Gannon: Kyler Murray’s ‘best football is ahead of him’

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon believes Kyler Murray will continue taking the necessary steps forward with a full offseason of work.

2 days ago

Kyler Murray chats with Jonathan Gannon...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals will face ‘really good’ AFC opponent for joint preseason practices

The Arizona Cardinals expect to hold joint practices in the preseason against a really good AFC opponent, in the words of Jonathan Gannon.

2 days ago

Patriots and Cardinals kick off return in 2020...

Associated Press

NFL owners approve new kickoff rules for 2024

NFL kickoff rules will take on a hybrid approach similar to the XFL. League owners approved the new measures Tuesday.

2 days ago

ESPN’s Kiper: Jonathan Cooper an ‘early impact’ player