The second season is typically called a sophomore slump.
But don’t expect that from Edgerrin Cooper. The second round linebacker played 55 percent of the defensive snaps in 2024, tallied 87 tackles, 3½ sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and four passes defensed.
In one season, Cooper proved that he can be the cornerstone of a defense. If he can do all those things in his rookie season, imagine what he can do when his snaps and responsibilities go up?
“I think he’s got superstar potential, I really do,” said Packers coach Matt LaFleur last year.
I couldn’t agree any more. Cooper gets sideline to sideline, can get to the passer, is good in pass coverage and is also solid in stopping the run.
But Cooper doesn’t project to be just the best defensive player in Green Bay, I think he’s going to be one of the best linebackers this team has ever seen.
Is that a lot to say? Sure. There are plenty of things that could change that, namely injury. But just on skill and personality, he fits the mold. He’s the guy that you want on defense for your team.
He’s going to do whatever it takes to win and he’s going to do it the right way.
Cooper was named NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month for December and January and was also named to the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team.
What is the one guy that the Packers have been searching for on defense? A dynamic talent that can do many different things. They have mined a gem in Cooper and it is about to pay huge dividends.
Historically, the Packers defense has always been a question mark. Are they fast enough? Do they have enough athletes? Can they stuff the run? Can they defend the mid-range passing game? Cooper checks all of those boxes and he’s done it at a high level — after just one season.
“I feel like some teams don’t have second-level linebackers who are able to track down faster quarterbacks,” said Cooper last year. “I feel like that’s one good thing I bring to the table — being able to spy or rush the passer and get to the quarterback.”
That’s going to come in handy now that the Packers will be taking on the shifty Caleb Williams. The young Bears quarterback is not only fast but is good at extending plays and making defenses work that much harder. Having an athletic weapon like Cooper is exactly what is needed to keep Williams, who is 2-0 vs. the Packers.
The defense has been starved for athletes for awhile. Now with Cooper, that side of the ball is finally feasting.