A four-year Miami right guard who didn't allow a single sack in 816 pass-blocking snaps as a senior, now a sixth-round Jets pick.
Anez Cooper started nearly his entire Miami career at right guard, becoming one of the most reliable pass protectors in the ACC before the Jets traded up to select him in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Pleasant Grove, Alabama native chose the Hurricanes over Auburn, Georgia and Oregon, and left college as a three-time all-conference performer.
Path to the league
Cooper was a highly sought high school prospect out of Pleasant Grove, Alabama, picking Miami over offers from Auburn, Georgia and Oregon. He debuted for the Hurricanes in 2022 and became a full-time starter at right guard the following season, making 45 career starts over four years.
Career highlights
Cooper earned All-ACC honors in each of his final three seasons at Miami and played more than 3,000 offensive snaps for the Hurricanes. The Jets traded up in the sixth round to select him with the 188th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
2025 season recap
In his senior season, Cooper started all 16 games at right guard and helped Miami reach the national championship game while earning second-team All-ACC honors. According to Pro Football Focus, he did not allow a single sack across 816 pass-blocking snaps, one of just six Power Four guards with 800-plus pass-blocking snaps to accomplish that feat.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Anez Cooper
- NewYorkJets.com: Jets Move Up Again, Select Miami G Anez Cooper in Round 6
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Guard
- Group
- offense
- College
- Miami
- Hometown
- Pleasant Grove, AL, USA
- Age
- 22
- Status
- active
