Packers’ Rising Defender Named One of NFL’s ‘Most Important’

The Green Bay Packers believe that their linebacking corps is anchored by an emerging superstar, and there’s legitimate reason to agree.

Second-year linebacker Edgerrin Cooper received All-Pro votes last season, after posting 87 total tackles as a rookie with 3.5 sacks, and an interception, it’s easy to see why the Packers are so optimistic about the playmaker at the heart of their defense.

The national media is taking notice, as well.

Packers’ Edgerrin Cooper Listed Among NFL’s Top Second-Year Defenders

Over at ESPN, NFL analyst Ben Solak put together a list of the most important second-year defenders across the league, with Cooper among his top selections.

“The big leap in run defense is promising news,” Solak writes, of Cooper’s versatility shining through by season’s end. “Because Cooper was always going to be a decent pass defender with his length, quickness and long speed. The instincts are still coming around there, but he is an adequate blitzer for now, which will protect him from too much exposure on clear passing downs. For a player as linear and explosive as Cooper, sinking back into zones can be counterintuitive. He’s at his best when he can just see it and go.

“To that end, Cooper’s sideline-to-sideline range from the linebacker spot is immediately among the best at the position. Cooper regularly beats climbing offensive linemen to the point and will pursue running backs far into the sideline, stringing out runs and making life easier on the secondary. He almost makes his defensive linemen right by triggering into blocking schemes quickly and explosively, ruining holes that would have otherwise opened. He has an impact beyond the stat sheet, which is rare for a rookie.”

Cooper’s blend of explosiveness and physicality make him the kind of defender that keeps offensive coordinators awake at night.

If Cooper is able to stay healthy for a second season, it wouln’t be the least bit surprising to see him finish among the most disurptive and productive linebackers in the league, and the Packers’ defense making major strides, as a result.

For More Football News:

Follow Matt Lombardo on Threads at @MattLombardoNFL. To read more of our articles and in-depth NFL coverage, click here.