Xavier Cooper is a former American football defensive tackle who played in the National Football League from 2015 to 2022. Born in Longview, Washington, he played college football at Washington State before declaring for the 2015 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round. This profile explains his on-field strengths, career milestones, and post-football path in clear, factual terms. The aim is to answer core questions about Cooper’s professional journey with context that remains useful over time.
Background and College Development
Xavier Cooper grew up in Longview, Washington, and attended R.A. Long High School before joining the Washington State Cougars. His development as a run-stopping defensive lineman gained attention late in his collegiate career after he improved strength and technique. In 2014, he earned All-Pac-12 honors, helping elevate his draft stock. His college trajectory illustrates how physical maturation and skill refinement in a solid program can shape prospects who may not headline drafts but remain valuable to NFL teams.
College Statistics at Washington State
| Season | Tackles | Tackles for Loss | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 11 | 1.0 | 0.0 |
| 2013 | 34 | 8.5 | 2.5 |
| 2014 | 40 | 12.0 | 3.5 |
2015 NFL Draft and Early NFL Years
Cooper entered the 2015 NFL Draft as a projected late-round prospect and was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round, 112th overall. He spent his early years on the roster learning complex defensive schemes and competing for a spot along the defensive line. Short-term stints on the physically unable to perform list and injured reserve were common during this phase. These initial seasons are common for players like Cooper, who combine promising physical traits with the need to adjust to professional speed and volume.
Draft Profile Overview
- Position: Defensive tackle
- College: Washington State
- Draft Round: 4th
- Draft Pick: 112th overall (2015)
Career Highlights and On-Field Role
Cooper’s most consistent playing time came with the Cleveland Browns and later with the Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints. On defense, he lined up in both interior and edge settings, using his frame to occupy blockers and collapse pockets. He finished his NFL career with notable contributions in run defense and short-area pass rush. Understanding his role helps explain why versatile linemen with these traits remain relevant across multiple defensive alignments.
Career Statistics
| Season | Team | GP | Sacks | FF | FR | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | CLE | 8 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | CLE | 14 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | CLE | 16 | 2.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | CLE | 16 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | SEA | 17 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | NOR | 11 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Playing Style and In-Game Value
Cooper’s strengths included balance, hand usage, and the ability to reset during extended pass sets. He was typically tasked with occupying multiple blockers in run schemes and providing edge discipline. While not a high-snap producer, he contributed with reliable technique and situational awareness. This profile is valuable for fans and analysts seeking to understand how his specific skill set translated to value within team structures.
Life After Football and Current Status
Since retiring from professional football, Cooper has maintained a low public profile, focusing on family and post-career opportunities. Although he does not hold a prominent public platform, his experience in the league informs ongoing conversations about player development and career sustainability. As an evergreen profile, this overview remains relevant as long as his contributions continue to inform discussions about linemen who build careers through steady, role-based impact.
Key Takeaways
- Played defensive tackle in the NFL from 2015 through 2022
- Started his career with the Cleveland Browns, later played for Seattle and New Orleans
- Earned All-Pac-12 honors during his senior season at Washington State
- Faced challenges common to late-round linemen, including depth competition and roster turnover
- Provided consistent run support and limited-edge pressure when on the field