ESPN: The Detroit Lions waive an offensive lineman and sign a rookie edge defender.
After the rookie minicamp last week, the Detroit Lions are making further roster changes.
Interior offensive lineman Leif Fautanu is being waived, and rookie edge defender Keith Cooper Jr. is being signed.
Cooper was listed as a tryout player at last weekend’s minicamp, despite initially being reported as an undrafted free agent signing following the draft. In Allen Park, Fautanu, a six-year Arizona State player, shared center snaps with Tate Ratledge, a second-round pick.
In his one season at Houston last year, Cooper had nine tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Prior to that, he spent three seasons at Tulane with 10.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss.
The 6-foot-3, 280-pound player led the club in tackles for loss and sacks while starting all 12 defensive end games. In addition to his ten quarterback hits, he was selected by the coaches as a second-team All-Big 12 player. Cooper received high marks against the rush and recorded 29 QB pressures in 627 defensive actions with the Cougars.
According to Houston’s KPRC 2, Cooper’s contract includes a $20,000 signing bonus in addition to a $125,000 guaranteed.
Cooper is a large, powerful player that matches the defensive end build the organization has been interested in. In an attempt to make the roster, he will have the opportunity to persevere through the offseason program prior to training camp.
