NFL Draft Pundits weigh-in on: Jonathan Cooper

In the last two weeks the draft stock of UNC Guard, Jonathan Cooper has soared. Originally thought to be a late first round pick, now there is buzz that Cooper will not make it out of the first twelve picks. Here are several tweets that I gathered from twitter about Cooper.

UNC OG Jonathan Cooper: "I played predominantly at guard but I took snaps at center in practice and played center in 1 game"
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler)

Dane Brugler is the NFL Draft Analyst for NFLDraftScout.com and CBSSports.com.

Combine News & Notes Day 1:more teams starting to grade Jonathan Cooper/G/UNC ahead of Chance Warmack/G/Bama: draftinsider.net
— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline)

Tony Pauline is a Publisher and Draft analyst for DraftInsider.net.

(And I should note, my favorite interview today was UNC OG Jonathan Cooper.Really bright, engaged kid.)
— Collin McCollough (@cmccollo)

Collin McCollough is the NFL Deputy Editor of Bleacher Report.

#NFL draft guru Mike Mayock expects #UNC OG Jonathan Cooper to 'wow them' at the Combine in Indy on Saturday: bit.ly/11VZfM9
— Star-News ACC (@starnewsacc)

Mike Mayock said UNC OG Jonathan Cooper one of four guys who should be in mix for No. 1 overall.
— Will Brinson (@willbrinson)

Mayock on @kcchiefs options at No. 1: 'It's [Chance] Warmack, [Jonathan] Cooper, [Luke] Joeckel or [Eric] Fisher.' #NFLCombine #NFLDraft
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork)

UNC Guard Jonathan Cooper is fun to watch. Great athlete and he has a nasty streak. Several de-cleaters when he's uncovered in pass pro..
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks)

Daniel Jeremiah is an analyst for NFL.com and NFL Network.


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Sylvester Williams NFL Combine Preview

It is that time of year where many NFL fans will gather around the television, tune into the NFL Network and watch college kids work out. The hoopla that surrounds the NFL Combine has grown in the past few years and it is a chance for fans to watch the future of the NFL. For many fans it is an opportunity to look for those players that will improve their teams. For the players competing it is a chance to outshine others and improve their draft stock that will ultimately get them a higher payday.

Many draft experts have declared the NFL draft has a very deep and nice class of defensive tackles. Every team is looking for that big guy in the middle of the defensive line that can clog up running holes and put pressure on the quarterback. Sylvester Williams is considered by many to be a top 5 defensive tackle with room to improve.

Williams had a chance to show off his ability to NFL scouts the week of the Senior Bowl and he did not disappoint  Williams showed great first step quickness  and dominated drills using his strength, power, awareness and athleticism. During that week Williams met with the Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers and St. Louis Rams. The range of where Williams could be drafted ranges from mid-late first round to mid second round.

Williams is a player that could be a great value pick if he makes it to the second day. He can raise his stock by answering scouts concerns of his consistency. He is entering the combine with momentum from his performance at the Senior Bowl and the buzz that has been receiving from draft experts. 

Tune into the NFL Network Febuary 23-26 to watch Williams, Kevin Reddick, Giovani Bernard, Travis Bond, Brennan Williams and Jonathan Cooper.

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Jonathan Cooper NFL Combine Preview

(CSM/Landov)

Jonathan Cooper enters the NFL Combine with the opportunity to improve his draft stock dramatically. Considered by many to be the second best interior offensive lineman in the NFL draft, behind Alabama's Chance Warmack. Cooper was an Outland Trophy Finalist (best OL in NCAA) and the winner of the Jacobs Blocking Trophy (best OL in the ACC). Mel Kiper is one person that really likes Cooper, saying that he is  "projected to be a top 12 pick", and could rise to a "top four to six pick with a good combine". 

Cooper was a four year starter at Chapel Hill and his combination of power, quickness and exceptional pass-blocking skills have made him a player that many teams will covet. Cooper skipped the Senior Bowl in January, but is expected to participate fully at the combine.  He could overtake Warmack as the best interior lineman in the draft, but I believe a top 6 pick is a bit of a stretch. Not because I question Cooper's ability, but I question if a non-tackle would be drafted that early in the draft.

Tune into the NFL Network Febuary 23-26 to watch Williams, Kevin Reddick, Giovani Bernard, Travis Bond, Brennan Williams and Jonathan Cooper.

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UNCPros Tuesday Night(2/19) Recap

(Streeter Lecka/Getty Images North America)

In the NBA:

• Ed Davis had a solid 21 minutes and had 14 points, four rebounds and four blocks off the bench for the Grizzlies as they beat Detroit.

• Ty Lawson continues to lead the way in Denver as he had 26 points, six rebounds and six assist in the win over the Celtics.

• Marvin Williams had 11 points in the Jazz win against Golden State.

• Danny Green was hot from three-point range going 5-8 and scoring 21 points in a Spurs win over the Kings.

In overseas action:

• On Sunday in Lebanon, Reyshawn Terry led Champville to a win with 30 points and six rebounds. Keeping his team two games out of first place.

• Last Friday, in Uruguay Will Graves had a monster game, for Malvin, scoring 31 points, seven rebounds and five steals. This was the last game before a two week break and even though Graves has only played a few games for Malvin, he is quickly becoming their best scorer averaging 16 points and six rebounds a game.

• Deon Thompson led the way last night for ALBA Berlin with 24 points and seven rebounds in the win.

• In France last night, Jawad Williams and Sean May did not play due to a coaches decision. I would speculate that he was resting them for games that count toward the French League regular season and not the EuroChallenge.

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Wednesday Night (2/13) Tar Heels Update

(AP Photo)

In the NBA:

Tyler Hansbrough made his first start of the season, due to an injury to David West (eye), and he took full advantage of the opportunity scoring 15 points in the first half. Hansbourgh ended the game with a double-double (19 points 10 rebounds) being the second Tar Heel in as many days to earn a double-double (Antwan Jamison).

Tyler Zeller had 16 points and 9 rebounds as the Cavs nearly knocked off the Spurs , but fell 96-95. Wayne Ellington had 5 points and 2 steals for Cleveland and Danny Green had 4 points, 3 assist and 4 steals.

Ty Lawson led the Nuggets with 26 points and 9 assist, but fell to the Brooklyn Nets as both Andre Iguodala and Danilo Gallinari did not play.

Raymond Felton had 16 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assist and 4 steals in the Knicks loss to the Raptors.

Vince Carter had 26 points and 5 rebounds as he led the Dallas Mavericks to the win over the Kings. Coming off the bench Carter led the Mavs in scoring.

Other leagues action:

Justin Knox had 9 points and 7 rebounds in Vestelspor's two point victory in Turkey. That brings them to 13-8 on the season and their next game is February 16.

Reyshawn Terry and Champville basketball club played their first game since January 26 in Lebanon. Terry struggled shooting from the field (3-11) and only had 9 points, but he also had 13 rebounds and 4 steals to help Champville win their game and stay within two games of first place.

Daniel Bolick (The Yellow Mamba) and his Cincinnati Slam team beat Team Japan on Sunday. Bolick helped his team to the victory by chipping in 10 points with 4 assist and 3 rebounds.

Sean May and Jawad Williams led Paris-Levallois to a 101-84 victory on Tuesday. May had 13 points 4 rebounds and 5 assist while playing 20 minutes. Williams led the team with 16 points in only 17 minutes.

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Tar Heel Sunday Recap

USA Today Sports

Several former Tar Heels were in action in the NBA and overseas on Sunday night. Here is a recap of some of the players in action.

NBA

• Raymond Felton had 20 points and five assist in the Knicks loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Felton and Carmelo Anthony combined for 62 of the New York's 88 points and they were the only two players who had double digits in points.

• Ty Lawson 29 points, six rebounds and nine assist in the Nuggets triple overtime loss to the Boston Celtics. He also led both teams by playing 55 minutes.

• Danny Green had 14 points for the Spurs in the win over the Nets.

• Kendall Marshall continues to see more playing time Phoenix, as he seen 26 minutes in the loss to the Thunder on Sunday night. 

• Ed Davis had four points in 11 minutes in the Grizzlies victory of the Timberwolves.

• Antwan Jamison had three points in the Lakers loss to the Heat.

Overseas

• Justin Knox had six points and six rebounds as Vestelspor loss on Sunday night in Turkey.

• Deon Thompson struggled in ALBA Berlin's loss on Sunday night as he was in foul trouble much of the night and six points. 

• Sean May had 18 points and 11 rebounds while Jawad Williams had nine points and 5 assist as Paris-Levallois had a two point victory over Poiters on Saturday night in France.

• Will Graves had 13 points and three rebounds in Malvin's two point victory in Uruguay on Friday night.

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Tar Heel Wednesday Night Recap

(Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports)

There were 26 NBA team in action last night and a number of UNC Pros. There were two that did not play due to injuries, Jerry Stackhouse (neck) and Rasheed Wallace (foot). Also, Rashad McCants was a healthy scratch for the Texas Legands in the NBDL.

• Danny Green had a career high 28 points and hit 8 three-pointers as he helped lead the Spurs to a victory over the Timberwolves.

• Wayne Ellington came off the bench and gave the Cavaliers 16 points and five rebounds in 23 minutes to help Cleveland blowout the Bobcats. Tyler Zeller also contributed with 8 points and 6 rebounds.

• Vince Carter continues to give the Mavericks a spark off the bench. He had 17 points in 25 minutes as Dallas knocks off the Trailblazers.

• Raymond Felton had a solid 17 points and 4 assist in the Knicks road loss to the Wizards. Felton was 3-5 from three point range, but struggled shooting from the rest of the field. Felton was not the only one who struggled shooting as the entire team barely shot 40%.

• Harrison Barnes had a really good night shooting going 7-9 from the field and scoring 19 points, but the Thunder was just too much for the Warriors to handle.

• In Uruguay, Will Graves had 11 points and seven rebounds on Tuesday night.

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Quality Over Quantity: Tar Heel Football Signing Day

Larry Fedora and his coaching staff was very busy on National Signing Day. They landed 17 of their 18 commitments and assembled a very good recruiting class. Coach Fedora was on ESPNU earlier and had this to say about his class, "a really balanced class, a smaller class but, also one that we felt would be more quality over quantity." 

He also said of this group that he thinks they can win “multiple” ACC championships.The group is highlighted with quarterback Mitch Trubisky and running back T.J. Logan on offense and defensive lineman Greg Webb and Dajuan Drennon and defensive back Desmond Lawrence on the defensive side of the ball. There was not a "5-Star" recruit in this class, but it is extremely balanced. There is a lot of potential for this class and Coach Fedora and his staff will get the most out of this class. Also, if  we learned anything this college football season it is that even "3-Star" recruits can win the Heisman trophey, just ask Johnny Manziel.

Rankings by the experts:


ESPN Ranked: #20
Rivals Ranked: #41
Scout Ranked: #30


2013 North Carolina Tar Heels Football Recruiting class:

1. Mikey Bart (DE/ 6-3/ 245 lbs.)
2. Lucas Crowley (OL/ 6-3/ 270 lbs.)
3. Dajuan Drennon (DE/ 6-4/ 230 lbs.)
4. Jardan Fieulleteau (WR/ 6-3/ 200 lbs.)
5. Khris Francis (RB/ 5-9/ 195 lbs.)
6. Marquis Haynes (DE / 6-3/ 220 lbs.)
7. Brad Henson (OL/ 6-5/ 295 lbs.)
8. Jonathan Howard (WR/ 6-4/ 180 lbs.)
9. Nazir Jones (DL/ 6-5/ 250 lbs.)
10. Desmond Lawrence (DB/ 6-1/ 175 lbs.)
11. T.J. Logan (RB/ 5-10/ 180 lbs.)
12. Donnie Miles (S/ 5-11/ 200 lbs.)
13. R.J. Prince (OL/ 6-7/ 310 lbs.)
14. Ryan Switzer (ATH-WR/ 5-10/ 175 lbs.)
15. Mitch Trubisky (QB/ 6-3/ 195 lbs.)
16. Brian Walker (CB/ 5-11/ 175)
17. Greg Webb (DT/ 6-2/ 310 lbs.)

Former Tar Heel Basketball Players Current Team

Now that the basketball season in the NBA and overseas are well under way, we have compiled a list of former Tar Heels and the roster they are currently on:


NBA:

• Jerry Stackhouse (Brooklyn Nets)
• Raymond Felton (New York Knicks)
• Rasheed Wallace (New York Knicks)
• Wayne Ellington (Cleveland Cavaliers)
• Tyler Zeller (Cleveland Cavaliers)
• Tyler Hansbrough (Indiana Pacers)
• John Henson (Milwaukee Bucks)
• Brendan Haywood (Charlotte Bobcats)
• Vince Carter (Dallas Mavericks)
• Brandan Wright (Dallas Mavericks)
• Ed Davis (Memphis Grizzlies)
• Danny Green (San Antonio Spurs)
• Ty Lawson (Denver Nuggets)
• Marvin Williams (Utah Jazz)
• Harrison Barnes (Golden State Warriors)
• Antwan Jamison (Los Angeles Lakers)
• Kendall Marshall (Phoenix Suns)

NBDL:

• Rashad McCants (Texas Legends)

Overseas:

• Jawad Williams (Paris-Levallois: France)
• Sean May (Paris-Levallois: France)
• David Noel (BCM Graveline: France)
• Deon Thompson (ALBA Berlin: Germany)
• Marcus Ginyard (Anwil: Poland)
• William Graves (Malvin: Uruguay)
• Justin Knox (Vestel: Turkey)
• Daniel Bolick (Cincinnati Slam: USA)
• Alex Stephenson (Panionios: Greece)
• Reyshawn Terry (Champville: Lebanon)
• Kris Lang (Cocodrilos de Caracas: Venezuela)

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Where Will Giovani Bernard Be Drafted?

(Bob Donnan/US Presswire)

Giovani Bernard announced in December that he would forego the final two years of his NCAA elegibility and enter the 2013 NFL draft. Bernard is a running back that is very adaptable and versatile. ESPN NFL draft analyst Todd McShay has Bernard graded as a second round pick and says his versatility compares to LeSean McCoy or Shane Vereen. If we know anything about the NFL, it is a copycat league and having a running back that can return kicks, run inside and catch balls out of the backfield is a necessity. The Baltimore Ravens just won a Super Bowl and they have one of the most versatile backs in the league.

Two players that Bernard compares favorably to are CJ Spiller and David Wilson, both of which were first round picks. Bernard, like Wilson and Spiller, has a skill set as a returner on special teams that will help increase his draft stock. Bernard is a better receiver out of the back field than Wilson and on par with Spiller. Bernard's size and durability will be concerns that NFL scouts, coaches and general managers will have to take into account when evaluating Bernard and weighing the concerns with his upside.

We are going to evaluate a few teams in the mid to late first round that could possibly have Bernard on their radar:

Tar Heel Friday Night Recap

Courtesy of NBA.com

Last night there were 12 NBA games on Friday and 14 former Tar Heels in action. Some of the notable performances were:

The Dallas Mavericks downed the Phoenix Suns 109-99. Vince Carter led the bench in scoring with 17 points in 27 minutes. Carter has provided the Mavs with a solid scoring option off the bench all season. Brandan Wright had 11 points and 6 rebounds off the bench as well.

Cleveland fell to the Pistons, 117-99. Wayne Ellington had 13 points for the Cavs off the bench despite having a horrible shooting day. Unfortunately for the Cavs, Ellington was not the only player that struggled shooting the ball as the team shot less than 40% from the field.

Indiana defeated the Heat, 102-89. Tyler Hansbourgh played an effective 12 minutes, scoring 11 points.

Ty Lawson led the for the Nuggets 113-98 win over the Hornets. Lawson had a double-double with 21 points and 13 assist. It was Lawson's fifth double-double of the season.

Raymond Felton and the New York Knicks beat the Bucks 96-86. Felton had 14 points and 8 assist. 

Antwan Jamison had 18 points and 7 rebounds to help the Dwight Howardless Lakers defeat the Timberwolves, 111-100.

In the NBADL the Texas Legends fell short to the Santa Cruz Warriors, 112-102. The Legends were led by the newly acquired Rashad McCants who scored 25 points and shot 10-14 from the field.

In France today Paris-Levallois takes on BCM Gravelines. The game will feature three former Tar Heels, Sean May, Jawad Williams and David Noel. May and Williams' Leavallois team is two games off the pace of the league leader BCM Gravelines.

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