Cooper, Reed, Shaw, and Latham All Find Teams as Undrafted Free Agents

With the excitement and glamour of the draft now over, it’s important to take note of some of the most crucial moves a team can make–as Undrafted Free Agents can truly make a surprising impact on a team. Former Hoosiers Michael Cooper, Jake Reed, Zack Shaw, and Darius Latham will all be getting chances to make that impact.

Michael Cooper-Tight End-Washington Redskins

First comes Michael Cooper, who will be joining teammate Nate Sudfeld with the Washington Redskins. Cooper will be joining a Redskins roster looking to improve upon its 11th best passing offense and Cooper will definitely have a chance to help out due the constant injury concerns of Jordan Reed.

Cooper appeared in 48 career games with 14 starts for the Hoosiers. Cooper had 19 receptions for 230 yards and two touchdowns in his career, which seems like poor numbers, but Cooper really broke out in his senior season with 17 of his receptions coming then. Cooper was an honorable mention All-Big Ten this past season and earned the team’s Ted Verlihay “Mental Attitude” Award. I would assume that means the Redskins will be getting someone with a good “Mental Attitude.”

Nov 7, 2015; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Nate Sudfeld (7) throws to Indiana Hoosiers tight end Michael Cooper (85) while under pressure during the first half of the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Jake Reed-Center-Atlanta Falcons

Jake Reed will be joining former teammates Tevin Coleman and Collin Rahrig, as Reed attempts to add depth a strong Falcons offensive line. Reed appeared in 40 career games for the Hoosier at both center and guard.

Reed’s efforts earned the team’s Harold Mauro “Loyalty to IU Football” Award and become IU’s Big Ten Sportsmanship Award honoree.

Nov 28, 2015; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers center Jake Reed (50) and offensive tackle Jason Spriggs (78) walk off the field carrying the Old Oaken Bucket after the victory against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross Ade Stadium. Indiana defeats Purdue 54-36. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Zack Shaw-Outside Linebacker-Pittsburgh Steelers

Zack Shaw will be given a shot with the Steelers on a 3-day contract. The Steelers told Shaw they are looking to see what he can do before moving forward. Shaw appeared in all 49 games of his career, finishing 130 tackles, 84 solo, nine sacks, 25.5 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and five pass breakups.

Shaw was a team captain this past season and he finished off the year as an honorable mention All-Big Ten.

Sep 13, 2014; Bowling Green, OH, USA; Indiana Hoosiers defensive end Zack Shaw (33) against the Bowling Green Falcons at Doyt L. Perry Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Darius Latham-Defensive Tackle-Oakland Raiders

Finally, there is Darius Latham, who signed a 3-year deal with the Oakland Raiders yesterday.

Latham is a big-boned, athletic d-lineman with great lateral quickness and multiple techniques to get through gaps. He doesn’t have elite speed, but he knows how to use his strengths to get to the quarterback and stuff the run. He just doesn’t show it on every play. Just like many defensive tackles out there, Latham’s biggest on the field question is his effort level.

Latham finished his career with 81 tackles, 31 solo, 7.5 sacks, 18.5 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, one interception, seven pass breakups and two blocked extra points.

If Latham can put in the work and focus on his performance, then this signing will be worth it for the Raiders.

Nov 14, 2015; Bloomington, IN, USA;Michigan Wolverines quarterback Jake Rudock (15) passes the ball under pressure from Indiana Hoosiers defensive lineman Darius Latham (98) during the second quarter of the game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports