The Detroit Lions signed defensive back Ryan Cooper Jr. on Sunday, according to James Larsen.
Ryan Cooper Jr. is five foot eleven and weighs 186 pounds. The 24-year-old from San Jose, California, was drafted by the Birmingham Stallions in the 2026 UFL Draft. In 2026, he made 25 tackles (19 solos, 6 assists), one tackle for loss, one interception, and four pass breakups in nine games.
The Baltimore Ravens signed Cooper Jr. as an undrafted free agent on May 3, 2024. He also spent time with the Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins, and the New York Jets. He made nine tackles (7 solos, 2 assists) and three pass breakups in five preseason games.
Collegiately, Cooper Jr. spent three seasons at the College of San Mateo (2019-21) with 47 tackles (38 solos, 9 assists), four tackles for loss, four interceptions for 44 yards, 12 pass breakups, and one fumble recovery in 22 games for the Bulldogs. He was an All-League selection in his junior season.
Then, Cooper Jr. transferred to Oregon State (2022-23) with 82 tackles (52 solos, 30 assists), 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, four interceptions for 67 yards, one touchdown, and 22 pass breakups in 23 games for the Beavers. He was named a two-time All-SEC Honorable Mention and Third Team All-SEC by Phil Steele.
