Jonathon Cooper was named the Broncos’ most underrated player

Jonathon Cooper enjoyed a breakout season in 2023, as the former seventh-round pick started all 17 games for Denver and recorded a career-high 8.5 sacks.

Now entering his fourth season, Cooper is being recognized for his improved play by Doug Farrar on USA Today’s The Touchdown Wire.

Farrar recently selected each team’s most underrated player, and Cooper earned the nod for the Broncos.

Despite his long wait during the 2021 NFL Draft, Cooper has contributed in each of his three seasons. He totaled 4.5 sacks, 86 tackles, six tackles for loss and 14 quarterback hits in his first two years before becoming a full-time starter in 2023.

In an expanded role, Cooper played 74 percent of the Broncos’ defensive snaps and led Denver in sacks. He also posted an interception, a forced fumble, two recoveries, 72 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 13 quarterback hits. Cooper also scored a critical touchdown with a fumble recovery for a score in Denver’s comeback win over the Bears.

“It all started last season, with Cooper setting career highs in sacks (nine) and total pressures (55) on 421 pass-rush snaps,” Farrar wrote. “Cooper has a tendency to prove that he should be playing more often than he is, and he’s doing so against the best possible competition.”