Edgerrin Cooper was one of the best defensive players in college football last season, his final season at Texas A&M. The Packers may have gotten a steal with the 45th overall pick.
Cooper will head into training camp close to earning the starting job after making a strong impression in the offseason program.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur said during minicamp that he called a play designed to fool Cooper, but the All-American didn’t bite.
“I I thought for sure we were going to catch him [it], and he did a great job,” LaFleur said, via Mike Spofford of the team’s website. “I was kind of teasing the other coaches: ‘Did you guys see him for that play?’ And they didn’t. So that’s a credit to him and how engaged he’s been and how locked in he’s been throughout the offseason.”
Cooper was the first off-ball linebacker taken in the draft after 84 tackles, eight sacks and two forced fumbles last season for the Aggies.
New Packers coordinator Jeff Hafley will use three linebackers, but the team will only have two on the field in its nickel package. Cooper could join third-year pro Quay Walker in remaining on the field for all three downs. Walker has played 91 percent of the defensive snaps in the 14 games he has played in 2023.
The Packers also have veterans Isaiah McDuffie and Eric Wilson and third-round pick Ty’Ron Hopper in the linebacker room.
“He’s showing flashes, running down hills, playing, flying around,” Walker said of Cooper. “I just tell him, ‘Don’t think, bro. Just fly around. If you mess up, that’s what happens. You’re a rookie. Just take what you can learn…and go from there.’ “
