Green Bay Packers NFL Draft: Top 5 defensive line targets

Washington State Cougars defensive lineman Xavier Cooper (96) tries to bring down Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8). James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

4. Xavier Cooper, Washington State

Cooper is a super athlete at defensive tackle, and there is no other way to put it.

At 6-foot-3, 293 pounds, Cooper ran the forty in 4.84 seconds – faster than some linebackers in the draft. He also posted good numbers in the bench and short shuttle.

Cooper is a quick twitch athlete with great burst and get-up off the line. He actively uses his hands to shed blocks and disrupt the backfield. He recorded 13 sacks and 31 tackles for loss as a three-year starter in college, demonstrating his ability to make explosive plays on the field.

If Green Bay is looking for a penetrate-and-disrupt type of defensive lineman in the draft then Cooper could be their guy. He’s a highly underrated prospect who could likely be found in the second or third round.

He may not be able to help the Packers at nose tackle, but he could play end in their base 3-4 and would be a great fit as a down lineman in their nickel package, lining up next to Mike Daniels.

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