Rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper was named the Green Bay Packers’ “secret superstar” by PFF for the 2024 campaign. The Texas A&M product was recognized as such after he surpassed expectations during his first NFL season.
Cooper, the 45th overall pick of last summer’s draft, flourished under first-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hatley. Despite dealing with injuries earlier this season, Cooper became one of the team’s most important players.
The 23-year-old was named NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month for December/January. Before this, Cooper was NFC Defensive Rookie of the Week in the Green Bay Packers’ Week 8 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Week 15 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
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Cooper has been so good that he also received one All-Pro vote from the Associated Press. With the way he’s been playing, there’s no doubt he’ll make the All-Pro team someday.
Edgerrin Cooper’s first season with the Green Bay Packers
Cooper concludes his rookie season with the Green Bay Packers tallying 87 total tackles, 13 of which were for a loss, 3.5 sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble.
Per PFF, Cooper ranked second among rookie defensive players in overall grade (84.0) and first in stops (35), or a tackle creating an offensive failure. He also graded at least 70.0 against the run, as a pass-rusher and in coverage.
Cooper made a strong case to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, but Los Angeles Rams’ Jared Verse will likely take the award. Either way, the Green Bay Packers struck gold with Cooper.
