The Denver Broncos have been one of the most confounding teams in the NFL in the first six weeks of the season.
However, their defense has been stellar, particularly their pass rush.
A lot of that has to do with Jonathon Cooper, who has proven to be a massive draft steal.
“Jonathon Cooper’s 28 sacks in his first 70 NFL games is the most by a seventh-round pick since the NFL Draft was only seven rounds. One of the best values for a pass rusher of all time,” Zac Stevens wrote on X.
Jonathon Cooper’s 28 sacks in his first 70 NFL games is the most by a seventh-round pick since the NFL Draft was only seven rounds.
One of the best values for a pass rusher of all time. pic.twitter.com/twe78woDI2
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) October 14, 2025
Notably, this speaks volumes about how draft status can be meaningless.
There are so many factors that can make or break a player’s career.
From health to being in the right system and organization, all the way to being lucky or just having someone who believes in you.
Also, being a high draft pick has never been a guarantee for success.
If anything, it might only make things easier at first because that player gets more reps and opportunities to grow through mistakes.
But at the end of the day, it’s all about what he does with those opportunities.
Late-round draft picks have to work twice as hard as higher selections, and that type of work ethic can shape their career.
Cooper has become a pivotal part of one of the best defensive fronts in the league, and he’s definitely made the 31 teams that passed on him look foolish.
The post Broncos Defender Emerging Among NFL’s Best Draft Steals appeared first on The Cold Wire.
