7 breakout candidates for the Denver Broncos during 2021 season

6. Jonathon Cooper, outside linebacker

Again, I’m not a huge fan of putting rookies on this type of list, but for Jonathon Cooper, it feels an exception is necessary.

Like a number of late-round or undrafted edge rushers before him, Jonathon Cooper had a dominant preseason that led to his being a lock for the active roster long before the final preseason game.

At Ohio State, a factory of tremendous pass rush talent, Cooper was somewhat lost in the shuffle due to some bad injury luck as well as the presence of other superstar NFL prospects in his time on campus.

He arrived on campus the year Joey Bosa left for the NFL, then had to wait his turn behind Nick Bosa and Chase Young.

Even with limited opportunities due to the variety of circumstances he faced, Cooper managed to put some really nice stuff on film and he was beloved by his teammates at Ohio State.

He showed out for the Denver Broncos in preseason play, loading up the stat sheet and proving he could be ready for a part-time pass-rushing role at the next level right away.

I think even though he’s EDGE4 on this team, Cooper could have a significant impact on both defense and special teams.