ESPN recently released their 2024 NFL Draft Redraft on ESPN+. Always an interesting exercise, redrafts are filled with shakeups informed by disappointing rookie seasons from top picks and surprising seasons from sleepers. Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper was selected in the 2nd round at 45th overall last year and was one of the better rookies on defense for not just the Green Bay Packers, but the entire league.
Edgerrin Cooper Was Redrafted at 32nd Overall
In ESPN’s redraft, Cooper moved up 13 spots and all the way into the first round, hearing his name called at 32nd overall. In this hypothetical scenario, Cooper would end up on the Kansas City Chiefs, the defending Super Bowl champions. NFL Nation reporters assert that Cooper would have helped KC’s sack numbers, which were down this year. Cooper had 3.5 sacks for the Pack this season in addition to 77 total tackles.
Edgerrin Cooper was an absolute steal#packers pic.twitter.com/Tz8MTLbYIe
— Hail Mary Sports (@hailmarysportss) May 7, 2024
Despite Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce grabbing all the headlines for this team, who will face the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl next week, the Kansas City defense is the powerhouse of the team. Cooper would have been right at home in defensive coordinator’s Steve Spagnuolo’s system. He is athletic and dynamic enough to be an exciting weapon in Spags’ unique coverages and blitzes.
It’s worth noting that while the Chiefs are very happy with their actual selection, Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy, he had already been selected in the mock redraft.
What Did the Green Bay Packers Do With Their Redraft Pick?
Green Bay used their 26th overall pick last year on Arizona offensive linemen Jordan Morgan. Given that Morgan had injury issues that limited him to just six games, this mock draft has the Packers going in a different direction.
In this world, general manager Brian Gutekunst was able to get his hands on slot cornerback Cooper DeJean, As noted by NFL Nation reporters, the Packers have a need for a talented young corner like DeJean, particularly given Jaire Alexander’s injury-riddled campaign and increasing age. DeJean was even mocked to the Packers in an ESPN mock draft early last year.
Yes or not to Cooper DeJean in Green Bay?! pic.twitter.com/33zPqPIamQ
— IKE Packers Podcast (@IKE_Packers) February 5, 2024
DeJean balled out against the Packers in the playoffs and helped the Eagles eventually advance to the Super Bowl. Philly has been praised for having two of the best defensive rookies partnering in the defensive backfield, as DeJean is joined by former Toledo Rocket Quinyon Mitchell. The two are one of the most exciting young tandems in the league. No doubt Packers fans would have similar excitements about DeJean being able to work with rookie safety Evan Williams.
Yes, Evan Williams Still Ended up in Green Bay in the Redraft
In reality, the Green Bay Packers ended up with Oregon safety Evan Williams via the 111th pick. A 4th round selection, Williams far outperformed his draft status and looks like a real piece for the future.
In ESPN’s do-over, the Packers did not waste any time making sure Williams joined the team. Last April, the Packers traded their 41st overall selection in the second round to the New Orleans Saints, who selected Alabama defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry. In this version, the Packers held onto the pick in order to secure Williams.
Williams and first-year Packer Xavier McKinney look to be foundational pieces on defense moving forward. Understandably, the Packers chose to keep this duo intact in the redraft, even with talented defensive backs like Kamari Lassiter, Tyler Nubin, or Kamren Kinchens also available.
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