On Monday, the Detroit Lions introduced they’d signed three gamers from rookie minicamp tryouts: tight finish Luke Deal, large receiver Malik Taylor, and defensive lineman Raequan Williams. Tuesday, they introduced they’ve added another.
Undrafted rookie defensive lineman Keith Cooper Jr. has signed with the Lions and is now a part of the 53-man roster.
Cooper was initially reported as a UDFA signing, however it truly turned out to be only a tryout invitation. In the course of the one observe we noticed, Cooper did stand out for his physicality.
Cooper hails from the College of Houston (2024) and Tulane College (2021-23). Final yr, he began all 12 video games at defensive finish, ending with 46 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hits, three passes defended, and a fumble restoration.
Cooper is listed at 6-foot-5, 280 kilos on the Lions’ web site, which may give him some versatility alongside the inside. Nevertheless, at Houston, he performed nearly solely on the edge place. His function was somewhat extra versatile at Tulane.
With the intention to make room for Cooper on the roster, the Lions opted to waive UDFA middle Leif Fautanu.
Cooper now faces an uphill climb on the Lions’ defensive finish place. With Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport atop the depth chart, Cooper must battle the likes of Josh Paschal, Levi Onwuzurike, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Ahmed Hassanein, Isaac Ukwu, and Mitchell Agude for a number of remaining spots on the roster. After all, it’s at all times doable Cooper doesn’t make the 53-man roster however will get a chance to stay round on the observe squad.
