Jonathon Cooper wants to be violent pass rusher in Year 3

Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph enjoys watching the unique traits that each outside linebacker displays. From veteran Frank Clark to second-year Nik Bonitto, they all bring speed, experience and aggression that Joseph is excited to use against opponents this season.

Jonathon Cooper, in particular, is violent and willing to show it.

Cooper is relentlessly flying off the edge and attacking the quarterback in each practice. During the team period on Thursday, he burst off the edge to sack Jarrett Stidham.

Cooper, a seventh-round selection in 2021, has been a quality depth piece in Denver’s defense and special teams over the past two seasons. But in Year 3, the 25-year-old wants to be more of a game-changer and one of the most menacing players whenever he touches the field.

“I approach the game with a certain type of aggression,” Cooper told The Post. “I’m always going to give my all when it comes to (going) after the quarterback. … Just being relentless and nonstop.”

Cooper’s comfort as an outside linebacker is at an all-time high. At Ohio State, he played defensive end for five seasons before switching to linebacker during the NFL draft process. The reasoning behind the position change was simple: Cooper felt he was undersized and would’ve had to add more weight to play defensive end.

He said the transition wasn’t as hard as people made it seem. The biggest thing he had to learn was playing in space without getting his hands in the dirt and maintaining his balance. But at the end of the day, the edge is the edge.

“That comes with a certain style of play, and that doesn’t change whether you stand up or not,” Cooper said.

Cooper, who has 4 ½ career sacks, feels free in Joseph’s defensive scheme. He said Joseph allows the outside linebackers to unlock their full potential.

Joseph said Cooper has had “a hell of a camp,” while calling him one of the most consistent players on the field. Outside linebacker Randy Gregory expects Bonitto and Cooper to make a major jump this season. He praised Cooper’s leadership skills and violent hands.

“He’s pretty explosive,” head coach Sean Payton said. “This (defensive) front requires physicality when you’re playing a gap-and-a-half and a two-gap type defense. His explosiveness and his get-off are things that we value.”

At training camp, Cooper has been a sponge, soaking out information. He has leaned heavily on Gregory, Frank Clark and even former defensive end Jared Allen, who spent a couple of days at camp observing the outside linebackers and defensive linemen.

“(Allen) is the epitome of (the position). He’s a master,” Cooper said. “He knows how to rush the pass and stop the run. He knows how to attack (a player) and where your hands supposed to be. Having someone like that teach us a few things (was) great.”