22-Year-Old Former Tulane DE Signs with Lions After Impressive Rookie Minicamp
The Detroit Lions have added promising defensive end Keith Cooper Jr. to their roster following a standout performance during the team’s rookie minicamp. Originally brought in as a tryout player, Cooper made a strong impression with his physicality, pass-rushing skills, and high motor—ultimately earning himself a contract. To make room for the new addition, the Lions waived offensive lineman Leif Fautanu.
Cooper, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 280 pounds, brings size and athleticism to the Lions’ defensive front. He began his collegiate career at Tulane University, where he spent three seasons before transferring to the University of Houston for the 2024 season. Over the course of his college career, Cooper totaled 119 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, and eight passes defended. In his lone season at Houston, he recorded 46 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and nine tackles for loss, showcasing his disruptive presence on the defensive line.
During the Lions’ rookie minicamp, Cooper stood out among his peers. His ability to quickly penetrate the offensive line and create pressure in the backfield caught the attention of coaches and front office personnel alike. His versatility allows him to line up on the edge or shift inside, giving the Lions valuable flexibility on their defensive front.
With established players like Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport anchoring the defensive end position, Cooper will be competing with a deep group of linemen including Josh Paschal, Levi Onwuzurike, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Ahmed Hassanein, Isaac Ukwu, and Mitchell Agude. His path to making the 53-man roster won’t be easy, but his early showing suggests he has the potential to contribute either on the active roster or practice squad.
The addition of Cooper reflects Detroit’s continued focus on strengthening its defensive unit, particularly its pass rush, which was a key area of improvement entering the offseason. Head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have emphasized building depth and competition at every position—particularly in the trenches.
If Cooper continues to build on his rookie minicamp performance through OTAs and training camp, he could become one of this year’s undrafted gems. His story adds another layer of excitement for Lions fans as the team looks to build on last season’s playoff success and make a deeper run in 2025
