Thread: Bears can't let guard down

No matter what, as long as LT isn't made to be the first priority (regardless of the talent available) in the first round, and they are open to whichever linemen is the best talent available, they will be fine. I still don't like building love up too high for any prospect, especially based off of combine practice, tho.

I must bring up one of the questions then, what of his shoulder surgery? I'm not looking for a reason to pick the guy apart, but this is the first time i've heard of him, and i'm starting to hear the good, and only glimpses of bad.

Originally Posted by Henry Burris

I must bring up one of the questions then, what of his shoulder surgery? I'm not looking for a reason to pick the guy apart, but this is the first time i've heard of him, and i'm starting to hear the good, and only glimpses of bad.

I hadn't realized he had surgery, so I'm glad you brought this up. I Google'd it and all reports indicate it was minor and he didn't miss playing time at all. His shoulder was having inflammation his junior year, but not enough for him to miss any games. After the season, he got it taken care of, and played fine after that.

LINK at NFL.com

Cooper has stayed healthy in each of the past two seasons, starting all 26 games (the 2010 opener at center and the following 25 at left guard) and earning second-team All-ACC honors as both a sophomore and junior. He had surgery on his left shoulder after the 2011 season to alleviate chronic inflammation. Cooper continued his excellent play as a senior, earning spots on the first-team All-American and All-ACC teams, as well as winning the ACC Jacobs Blocking Trophy.

all I can say... I don't think I will be upset with however we'll draft at #20. Many promising guys that would fill a need for us. Have we talked to Cooper? I know Emery talked with Fluker

Originally Posted by JustAnotherBearsFan99

I hadn't realized he had surgery, so I'm glad you brought this up. I Google'd it and all reports indicate it was minor and he didn't miss playing time at all. His shoulder was having inflammation his junior year, but not enough for him to miss any games. After the season, he got it taken care of, and played fine after that.

Originally Posted by lklrlolnlilklsox

Correct. It never affected him on the field, just a discomfort issue that took a minor surgery to remedy. The fact that he dominated the entire year after it should alleviate all concerns.

Scratch that, then. Sounds pretty good, hope he's available at 20, then, if the Bears decide to go in that direction.

Originally Posted by JustAnotherBearsFan99

I loved that comment "the tackles may sell the jerseys, but the interior linemen win games for you" or words to that effect. So true.

They said Cooper is the 3rd best lineman in this draft (if I heard that right). He is one heck of a stud. He's also an articulate guy (he must be pretty smart). Some people say you build an offensive line from the interior - out. If so, then Cooper would be a great player to make our centerpiece, and then build around him. That would be our future. Not just for the OL, but for the offense overall.

I don't know if Coop would fall to us though. He's my favorite G of this draft. Warmack doesn't move well at all. Stiff hips. A one trick pony IMHO. Cooper is far better IMHO. Significantly better. Warmack has the size and the name. Cooper has the talent.

Looks like there are some excellent centers that may be available in the 4th (oh, how I wish we had a 3rd round pick though).

What makes Cooper all that more intriguing is the possibility that he may be able to play OC after a year. Having a guy with his combination of athleticism and blocking skills at OC would be like having Olin back in his prime.

Just the kids ability to block in the second level on pulls and screens or peel back and help the OTs in pass blocking makes me envision that kind of player again running the line. He'd be a nice pick if he falls that far no matter where we play him.