2017 NFL Draft: Eagles host Indiana University of Pennsylvania offensive lineman on a visit

The Philadelphia Eagles are set to host Indiana University of Pennsylvania offensive lineman Ethan Cooper on an official pre-draft visit, according to a report from NFL Draft Diamonds. Cooper is one of 30 prospects who will visit the Eagles leading up to the 2017 NFL Draft. (Unless Cooper counts as a local visit, though that doesn’t seem the case to me since he’s not from the Philadelphia metro area. He’s from Harrisburg.)

Cooper measures in at 6-4, 325 pounds. He played in 41 games over four years at Division II IUP. Cooper has experience playing both offensive guard and tackle.

As a Pennsylvania native, Cooper grew up an Eagles fan. In an interview with NFL Draft Diamonds, he said Michael Vick was his favorite player growing up. He also compared his game to Eagles left tackle Jason Peters.

I would say Jason Peters because of how naturally athletic we are and his footwork is incredible and you can tell he’s a general on the field and that’s what I strive.

Despite being from a small school, Cooper got an invite to the 2017 NFL Combine this year. He also participated in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

Cooper projects as a Day 3 pick or priority free agent in this year’s draft. He’s a developmental project. The Eagles are pretty set at guard so they might be interested in him as a tackle for the future.

Here’s a scouting report via NFL.com.

Strengths

Big NFL-caliber frame. Thick from his calves to his shoulders. Has experience at both tackle and guard. Possesses good upper body power. Lateral quickness is adequate. Runs his feet through contact looking to turn opponent out of the hole. Plays with decent feet in space. Shows ability to adjust to moving targets on second level. Has desired body control and balance for his size. Scouts say he has good football intelligence with an understanding of defensive concepts.

Weaknesses

Needs to work to keep pad level lower. Lack of bend and a little bit of a narrow base prevent him from getting as much drive at the point of attack as he should. Down blocks and work-up blocks tend to be more segmented and less rhythmic. Punch is a little wide and will need a more direct route to the frame. Has a tendency to let his weight get out in front of him in pass protection. Will take time to adjust to NFL level of competition for him.

Bottom Line

Cooper is tough to get a read on due to the level of competition he plays. He is good but not dominant as a run blocker, which is a little surprising based on his girthy frame. He doesn't play with as much hip torque as you want so he will probably always have some limitations as a drive blocker. He's a decent athlete with an NFL frame and that should help him go as a developmental Day 3 draft prospect.

Here’s Cooper’s spider graph.

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Complete list of known Philadelphia Eagles draft visits

Alabama CB Marlon Humphrey - [Click here]

Washington WR John Ross - [Click here]

Alabama LB Ryan Anderson - [Click here]

Alabama LB Reuben Foster - [Click here]

Florida State RB Dalvin Cook - [Click here]

LSU RB Leonard Fournette - [Click here]

Clemson WR Mike Williams - [Click here]

Western Michigan WR Corey Davis - [Click here]

IUP OL Ethan Cooper