Bryson Cooley

Bio

Height 6'6"
Weight 315 lbs
Hometown Laurel, MS
High School West Jones
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recruiting

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Class of 2026
#218 National
#14 OT
#7 State
0.9206 Rating

Scouting Report

A
92 / 100 Ceiling 92 • Floor 84
year 1 contributor NFL Rd 5

A massive, powerful offensive line prospect with a high floor due to his ready-made size and functional strength. Cooley is a true road-grader in the run game who possesses the versatility to potentially contribute at multiple spots along the offensive front. His commitment flip to Alabama from a conference rival underscores his desirability as a high-major trench player.

Physical Profile

Cooley boasts an exceptional frame for a high school prospect, listed at 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds. He possesses a huge base and ready-made mass that should allow him to compete physically from an early stage in his college career. His background as a shot put silver medalist in Mississippi's 6A classification, with a personal best of 46-3, provides verifiable evidence of his power potential. While his body control is considered average, it is not a deficiency and he has at least adequate length for the tackle position.

Play Style

On film, Cooley is a physically dominant, gap-scheme blocker who thrives on moving defenders against their will. He is consistently looking to finish blocks and demonstrates a strong motor in all situations. He roots out defenders at the point of attack and shows functional ability on a down-to-down basis. While not a fleet-footed tackle, he is functional in space and uses his size and strength to overwhelm opponents.

Strengths

  • **Power at the Point of Attack:** Excels as a down blocker, capable of washing out entire sides of the defensive line. He plays with a mean streak and effectively opens running lanes through physicality.
  • **Positional Versatility:** Played left tackle in high school but has the physical traits and skill set to project to right tackle or either guard position at the next level. This roster flexibility is a significant asset for a college program.
  • **Verified Size and Frame:** Arrives with a college-ready build, possessing a massive frame and a huge base that allows him to anchor effectively and generate movement in the run game.

Areas to Improve

  • **Snap Anticipation:** Can be more consistent in his get-off at the snap to maximize his physical advantages against quicker defensive linemen.
  • **Leverage and Pad Level:** Has a tendency to lean at times; will need to consistently work on maintaining proper pad level and leverage to avoid giving up his chest to defenders, particularly in pass protection against elite college edge rushers.

College Projection

Cooley projects as a multi-year starter at the Power Five level. Given his size and strength, he has the potential to see the field early in his career, likely after a redshirt year dedicated to refining technique and improving body control. His most immediate path to playing time could be at guard, but with development, he could become a fixture at right tackle. His high floor makes him a reliable roster piece for an elite program like Alabama.

NFL Outlook

Based on his 4-star composite rating, physical traits, and commitment to a premier development program, Cooley possesses long-term NFL Draft potential. His ultimate draft stock will be determined by his positional success in college and his athletic development. With continued refinement, he projects as a potential Day 3 (Rounds 4-7) draft candidate with the upside to climb higher.

Best Fit

Cooley is an ideal fit for a program with a pro-style, multiple-run scheme that places a premium on powerful, mauling offensive linemen. His skill set is maximized in an offense that emphasizes gap and inside/outside zone concepts, allowing him to use his size and strength to create movement at the line of scrimmage. Alabama's system, known for developing NFL-caliber offensive linemen with his profile, is a perfect match.

Player Comparison

Jonah Williams Alabama • Cincinnati Bengals 82% match

Williams shares a similar physical profile at 6'5" 302 lbs with exceptional athletic traits for his size, and was also a highly-rated Alabama recruit (#86 nationally, 4-star). Both prospects demonstrate the rare combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ that Alabama prioritizes in their offensive line recruiting, with the versatility to potentially play multiple positions along the line.