There is a lot of excitement surrounding the Green Bay Packers defense heading into the 2024 season. One of the players who people are looking forward to seeing on the field is linebacker Edgerrin Cooper.
A second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Edgerrin Cooper is expected to pair with Quay Walker as the second line of defense. Both are incredible athletes who can play sideline-to-sideline in run defense and drop into pass coverage.
The Texas A&M product was the first linebacker selected in the draft. Not only did he fill a massive need, but selecting him presented the Packers with incredible value.
With De’Vondre Campbell being released, there is a huge void to fill in the Packers’ lineup. Edgerrin Cooper could be that player, which is partly why Chad Reuter of NFL.com has predicted him to make the All-Rookie Team in 2024.
“Cooper comes to a perfect situation in Green Bay, where his closing speed and toughness will force offenses to account for him on every play. He and 2022 first-round pick Quay Walker will be the primary linebackers in new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s scheme, working inside and outside depending on the formation. Cooper should put up solid numbers across the board as a rookie, picking off a pass or two, accumulating a few sacks on blitzes and finishing first or second on the team in tackles,” Reuter wrote.
There are two things a rookie needs to excel right out of the gate; talent and opportunity. Edgerrin Cooper will have both in ten-fold with the Packers in 2024.
Last season with the Aggies, he recorded 17 tackles for loss and 8.0 sacks. He was all over the field, recording a career-high 84 total tackles as well.
Jeff Hafley taking over as defensive coordinator is something the players are looking forward to. Athletic, instinctive players such as Edgerrin Cooper are a good fit for the scheme, which could result in an excellent rookie campaign.
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