The New York Jets have added some serious muscle to their offensive line, and we're breaking down exactly what rookie guard Anez Cooper brings to the table. Selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of the University of Miami, Cooper is a massive presence at 6'5" and 334 pounds—and he's got the college résumé to back it up.
Cooper was a workhorse for the Hurricanes, starting 46 games over four seasons. After beginning his freshman year in a reserve role, he earned his first start in week nine and never looked back. From there, he became a full-time starter at right guard, stringing together 42 consecutive starts over the next three seasons. His steady improvement earned him All-ACC honorable mention nods in 2023 and 2024, and he capped off his college career with second-team All-ACC honors in 2025.
Coming out of high school as a three-star recruit, Cooper's path to the NFL wasn't always a straight line. He dealt with weight issues early on, at one point tipping the scales at over 400 pounds. But he's clearly committed to his craft—at the scouting combine, he weighed in at 334 pounds, 11 pounds under his listed playing weight. That kind of discipline is exactly what you want to see from a young lineman looking to make an impact at the next level.
On the field, Cooper's game is built around raw power and impressive length. While his 40-yard dash time of 5.63 seconds isn't going to turn any heads, his film tells a different story. For a player his size, he shows good movement skills and the ability to get to the second level. He didn't participate in the bench press at the combine or his pro day, but his game footage leaves no doubt about his strength—he consistently drives defenders off the line and finishes blocks with authority.
Interestingly, while all 46 of Cooper's college starts came at right guard, Miami did experiment with him in other spots. He saw a handful of snaps at left guard and right tackle, and the Hurricanes even used him in unbalanced line formations where he'd slide over to the left side. That versatility could be a huge asset for the Jets as they look to build depth along the offensive line.
With the right coaching and continued development, Cooper has the tools to develop into a reliable interior lineman. For a sixth-round pick, that's a solid investment—and for Jets fans, it's another reason to feel good about the future of the trenches.