Lions sign rookie edge rusher after standing out during rookie mini-camp tryout, waive promising lineman

Cooper had a bit of an interesting journey to this point. He went undrafted after a solid season at Houston, where he put up 29 pressures and four sacks. Cooper was initially reported as a UDFA signing by the Lions after the draft, but then we learned ahead of rookie minicamp that he was just a tryout. 

He had a big showing at the tryout, though. Of all the undrafted players that were there, Cooper was the guy that local media walked out of rookie-minicamp talking about the most. Despite just being in pads and not going live, Cooper made some plays and earned himself a spot. 

To make room for Cooper, the Lions are waiving UDFA Leif Fautanu. It's a bit of a surprising mood since Fautanu showed at Arizona State that he can be a solid center despite being undersized for the position. 

The Lions did try Tate Ratledge at center over the weekend, and they do still have Kingsley Eguakun from last year. They must feel better about his potential.