And they instead focus on the talent and instincts of the linebacker from Washington.
By JOANNE KORTH
Published April 25, 2004
TAMPA - All his life, Marquis Cooper heard he was too small to play linebacker.
In high school.
In college.
In the NFL.
But his dream came true Saturday night when he heard the phone ring in his parents' Arizona home. Cooper, a 6-foot-3, 227-pound inside linebacker from the University of Washington, was selected by the Bucs in the third round of the draft, the 79th overall pick.
"A few teams thought I was too small or too light, but I just kept faith in the Lord and just did what I did," Cooper said. "It motivates me because all my life I was told I was too small to play linebacker, in high school and in college, too. I'm confident I'm a good player."
The Bucs think so, too.
Cooper is the first linebacker drafted by the Bucs since Nate Webster in the third round in 2000.
"We like his sideline-to-sideline ability," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. "We think he fits our scheme. We had him in here a few days before the draft and liked him personally."
Cooper played inside linebacker at Washington, where he led the Huskies with 89 tackles as a senior, including 8.5 for loss. He also had two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, broke up five passes and caused one fumble.
Though some analysts projected Cooper as a safety in the NFL, he will play linebacker with the Bucs. Linebacker coach Joe Barry said Cooper's size was not a concern.
"I look at instincts, athleticism, speed," Barry said. "Size is one of the last things I look at. And that's good for a kid like him. To half the teams in the NFL he's way too small, but what is big enough? If you can take on blockers and tackle people and get them down, that's big enough."
By selecting Cooper, the Bucs addressed a need for depth. Starters Shelton Quarles in the middle and Derrick Brooks at weakside are in their 30s. Strongside Ryan Nece, a second-year player who won the starting job last preseason, was inconsistent.
Webster, the top backup last season, signed with the Bengals and Dwayne Rudd was released.
The Bucs added Jeff Gooch and Keith Burns during free agency, but wanted to bring in a young player at the position. Barry, who identified Cooper early in the scouting process, flew to Seattle to spend time with him. Last week, Cooper was at One Buc Place to meet the rest of the coaching staff.
"He's a kid we put a lot of work into," Barry said. "We feel really good about him. It's the first linebacker I've had since I've been here for four years so I'm excited. I'm fired up. I think he's a kid who's going to fit in with our group well. He has the traits that the Buc linebackers have."
Too small to play inside in the NFL, Cooper likely will play outside with the Bucs, likely behind Brooks at weakside. Cooper looks forward to learning from the seven-time Pro Bowl player.
"He's a great player," Cooper said. "He knows the game very well. He's very fast and he will be able to help me learn how to play in this league."
Cooper, who blocked a punt as a freshman at Washington, will be expected to contribute on special teams.
"I am happy the Buccaneers have confidence in me and I'm glad they're giving me a chance," Cooper said. "I'm going to do my best to become a great player. ... Whatever it takes, I don't care. I'll be out there doing my best and doing a good job at it."
