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Next update by 1:00 AM on Friday. Jets added two former San Francisco 49ers today – DT Xavier Cooper and CB Rashard Robinson, two guys who . . .
. . . got high marks for their talent coming out of college.
Cooper was a third-round pick of the Cleveland Browns in 2015, and Robinson, a fourth-round pick of the 49ers in 2016.
Jets signed Cooper as a street free agent today after his recent release, and traded a fifth-round pick to San Francisco for Robinson.
We will see how these players turn out, but as far as I’m concerned, the 49ers are a dysfunctional hot mess right now, with a first-year GM who took the job with no background in scouting.
So to me, if they release or trade a player, it’s not a total indictment of the player.
The 49ers are dumpster fire right now.
We will see how the Jimmy Garoppolo trade turns out, but not much else these people are doing right now is very impressive.
So I’m willing to cut Cooper and Robinson a lot of slack after getting dumped by a flailing organization with an inexperienced GM with no scouting background.
Cooper, who ran a 4.86 forty when he came out, the fastest 40 time for any defensive lineman at the 2015 combine, began his career in Cleveland, and played under Jets defensive line coach Robert Nunn with the Browns last year. Nunn vouched for him with the Jets’ brass. Cooper has a strong understanding of what Nunn wants from his defensive linemen from a technique standpoint.
Cooper became expendable in Cleveland this year because they moved away from the 3-4 defense to a 4-3 under Gregg Williams. So as so often is the case, when systems change, guys become expendable.
He was claimed off waivers in San Francisco in early September, and released on October 24.
He was on his way to Detroit to workout with the Lions, but the Jets got him on the phone during his travels, and offered him a contract, and he canceled the Lions visit. You see the Lions were just kicking the tires, the Jets were ready to get a deal done.
While I noticed his arms aren’t particularly long, which is far from ideal, he’s athletic, and was very highly-regarded coming out of Washington State in 2015. We will see how this turns out.
As for Robinson, two weeks ago, he was starting for San Francisco. In fact, he started the first seven games of this season for San Francisco, and was replaced in the starting lineup for the 49ers game last Sunday in Philadelphia.
And you know what, the guy who replaced him in the starting lineup, Ahkello Witherspoon, gave up a 53-yard TD to Alshon Jeffery.
Robinson went from starting the first seven games, to be demoted for one game in Philly, to being traded a few days later.
Robinson had seven defensed passes and a pick in seven starts. The problem was too many penalties.
But he’s a 22-year-old kid, who, with so good coaching, could be a very good NFL player.
He’s 6-1, runs 4.4 and is very athletic.
He needs to grow up a little bit. He has some issues at LSU, and obviously the 49ers tired of him.
I think the Jets’ secondary coach is outstanding, and having two LSU guys in the Jets secondary – Jamal Adams and Mo Claiborne – should help him stay focused. LSU guys have a strong bond – it’s like a fraternity.
If the Jets handle Robinson with care, improve his technique, and help him mature, this signing could turn into solid gold. The Pompano Beach-native has a tremendous amount of ability.
October 31, 2017
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