Packers rookies are just under two weeks away from reporting to training camp, but second-round pick Edgerrin Cooper already made a strong impression during the earlier portions of the offseason program.
Selected No. 45 overall as the first off-ball linebacker taken in the 2024 NFL Draft, Cooper potentially brings a crucial element of speed and smarts to Green Bay’s linebacking corps, something evidenced by his work during minicamp in June catching the eye of teammate Quay Walker.
“He’s showing flashes, getting downhill, playing, flying around,” Walker said of Cooper, via the team’s website. “I just tell him, ‘Don’t do no thinking, bro. Just fly around. If you mess up, it is what it is. You a rookie. Just take what you can learn … and go from there.'”
It’s hardly shocking to hear Cooper described as speeding through drills. He tied for the third quickest 40-yard dash (4.51) among linebackers at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, and his 1.54 10-yard split at the beginning of that dash was also tied for the top spot in his position.
Should he demonstrate his ability to break into the starting lineup as a rookie, he could form a powerful partnership in the center of defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s scheme with Walker, a third-year linebacker who shares similar speed, clocking a 4.52 40-yard dash. This could potentially create a new dynamic duo.
Walker may have taken his “no thinking” mindset a bit too far during his rookie year, as evidenced by his two ejections in the 2022 season. However, he has since evolved into a leader for the Packers. Additionally, his advice for Cooper to trust his instincts once he gets the hang of the NFL game is sound.
The rookie and his coach Matt LaFleur have already noted that this process seems to be happening.
“Particularly in the past week to week and a half, I found myself able to mentally relax,” Cooper stated at the June minicamp. “I’m beginning to get the hang of it. At the moment, I’m just enjoying the game. It’s a relief not having to overthink and just do what I do best.”
The Packers’ website reported that LaFleur deliberately called a deceptive play during the final minicamp practice, intending to fool Cooper. However, Cooper correctly interpreted and responded to the play.
“LaFleur stated, “I was convinced we were about to catch him (it), and he really performed outstandingly. I jokingly asked the other coaches, ‘Did you prepare him for that play?’ But they didn’t.”
Therefore, it speaks volumes about his dedication and focus throughout the offseason.
Perceiving and responding to such deception effectively is crucial as one approaches their rookie year. Cooper’s ability to do this indicates that he is mentally prepared to start strong in camp. However, his opportunity to demonstrate his skills in a regular season game is still several months away.
Getting there and thriving, whether it’s from the starting lineup or initially in rotation behind others like Eric Wilson or Isaiah McDuffie, will take building on his evidently sturdy foundation in the many weeks worth of practices ahead.
The Packers are relying on this as they aim to establish a defense that corresponds to their high-quality talent, something they haven’t achieved for several years.
