Edgerrin Cooper came to the 2024 season hurting and Green Bay Packers manager Brian Gutekunst thought it is among the reasons why he was not getting the minutes his fans thought he deserved.
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The 45th pick of last season is a fan favorite since signing his rookie contract with the team and that is all because he makes important players whenever he is on the field.
He finished the 2024 season with 87 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. He also had an interception, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in 14 games.
In the wildcard round which they lost to eventual champions Philadephia Eagles, he recorded seven total tackles, two of them are solo.
Gutekunst challenged him to stay healthy back in February when he answered a question related to the fans’ misinterpretation of Cooper’s minimal playing minutes.
“After the guys get through their first year, there’s a big exhale. And then there’s an understanding of what this is, and what I’ve got to do to play at my best week in and week out, and get myself the best chance to stay healthy. That’s part of it,” the GM said.
Jeff Hafley says Edgerrin Cooper is more focused for Year 2
Coopers appears to be taking the challenge by the heart as according to defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, he got bigger in the offseason.
He also teased the 23-year-old’s improved mental strength as he prepare for his second season with the team.
“He’s gotta be close to 240 pounds and this Year 2 for him, he knows what it’s going to take. He knows what he has to do now to stay healthy,” Hafley said.
“You can tell he’s dedicated that time into caring for his body and changed his body and now when you sit with him in that room it’s, I mean, he’s locked in and he’s focused. Now he knows what he’s doing. You’re first rookie year you’re kind of in survival mode a little bit, too.”
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