Cory's Corner: Just What The Defense Needed
The expectations for Edgerrin Cooper are through the roof entering his second season.
The second season is typically called a sophomore slump.
But don’t expect that from Edgerrin Cooper. The second round linebacker played 55 percent of the defensive snaps in 2024, tallied 87 tackles, 3½ sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and four passes defensed.
In one season, Cooper proved that he can be the cornerstone of a defense. If he can do all those things in his rookie season, imagine what he can do when his snaps and responsibilities go up?
“I think he’s got superstar potential, I really do,” said Packers coach Matt LaFleur last year.
I couldn’t agree any more. Cooper gets sideline to sideline, can get to the passer, is good in pass coverage and is also solid in stopping the run.
But Cooper doesn’t project to be just the best defensive player in Green Bay, I think he’s going to be one of the best linebackers this team has ever seen.
Is that a lot to say? Sure. There are plenty of things that could change that, namely injury. But just on skill and personality, he fits the mold. He’s the guy that you want on defense for your team.
He’s going to do whatever it takes to win and he’s going to do it the right way.
Cooper was named NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month for December and January and was also named to the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team.
What is the one guy that the Packers have been searching for on defense? A dynamic talent that can do many different things. They have mined a gem in Cooper and it is about to pay huge dividends.
Historically, the Packers defense has always been a question mark. Are they fast enough? Do they have enough athletes? Can they stuff the run? Can they defend the mid-range passing game? Cooper checks all of those boxes and he’s done it at a high level — after just one season.
“I feel like some teams don’t have second-level linebackers who are able to track down faster quarterbacks,” said Cooper last year. “I feel like that’s one good thing I bring to the table — being able to spy or rush the passer and get to the quarterback.”
That’s going to come in handy now that the Packers will be taking on the shifty Caleb Williams. The young Bears quarterback is not only fast but is good at extending plays and making defenses work that much harder. Having an athletic weapon like Cooper is exactly what is needed to keep Williams, who is 2-0 vs. the Packers.
The defense has been starved for athletes for awhile. Now with Cooper, that side of the ball is finally feasting.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (6)
NickPerry
June 21, 2025 at 07:33 am
I love this kid and was ecstatic when Gute drafted him in the 2nd round last year. This kid will be the best Linebacker in the NFC North this year and one of the best in the NFC. Give him another year and he'll be one of the best in the NFL!
Can you imagine what this defense could look like with Wyatt up front, Cooper in the middle, and X with Evan Williams patrolling the back end? Year two in Hafleys defense is going to be special.
BTW Cory...I'm pretty sure Williams was 1-1 against GB last year. Had MLF not totally F'ed up that last drive by GB and not snapped the ball with over 20 seconds left on the play clock on 3rd down, he'd been 0-2!
Savage57
June 21, 2025 at 07:56 am
With Cooper and Walker, the Packers off ball LB's have tons of upside, waiting to emerge over the course of a season.
Walker's going to be playing for contract #2, and Cooper showed he's already at pro game speed as a rookie.
The wild card in the position group is Simmons, and his opportunity to finally settle into a defined role in Haflwy's defense.
What was viewed as a potential weakness going into last season has the chance to emerge as one of the team's strengths in 2025.
CoachJV
June 21, 2025 at 11:15 am
Since we're technically a 4-3, I hope Simmons settles in at Mike... I think Cooper is a better Sam than Mike, and Walker is already the best Will we have. I don't know exactly where they used him in mini-camp, but it seems logical if he steps it up.
dobber
June 21, 2025 at 08:17 am
For awhile it seemed the Packers might take Cooper at 25 in round 1, but still got him in round 2. He was a great get.
stockholder
June 21, 2025 at 11:01 am
You say Cooper. I say Quay Walker.
My preference is size.
Quay is 6'4" 241.
Cooper is 6'2" 230.
I say we need both.
But- - - My concern is injuries.
We saw what happen to Campbell.
CoachJV
June 21, 2025 at 11:11 am
I knew before he was drafted, that this kid was going to be a dominant force. I was overjoyed when we got him!
I think he's going to pair well with Walker and they're going to be a terror at the line, in the backfield, and over the middle. Good luck to anybody once these two guys gel...