Green Bay, Wisconsin – Edgerrin Cooper, a linebacker for the Green Bay Packers, has made an impressive impact in his rookie season, even with limited playing time. The Packers are eager to see how he will build on his recent performances moving forward.
Cooper returned to play after sitting out three games and made a significant contribution during Sunday’s 30-13 victory over Seattle, where he recorded both a sack and his first career interception. His performance earned him the highest rating among all NFL players that week, according to Pro Football Focus.
“My aim is to just enjoy the game,” Cooper stated following the match. “I’ve been around the sport for a long time, and at the end of the day, it’s just about playing football and doing what I need to do.”
His standout performance against Seattle led to him being named the NFC defensive player of the week for the second time this season, making him the first Packer to earn such recognition multiple times in a single season since Clay Matthews during the Super Bowl-winning year of 2010.
Previously, Cooper received his first NFC defensive player of the week award after his initial career start, where he notched a sack and forced a fumble during a tight 30-27 victory over Jacksonville.
Despite participating in less than 36% of the Packers’ defensive snaps due to injuries and limited early-season playtime, Cooper has excelled, currently ranking fourth on the team with 3½ sacks and sixth in tackles ahead of Monday night’s matchup with the New Orleans Saints.
“I believe he’s only beginning to tap into his potential in the NFL,” remarked Packers head coach Matt LaFleur.
Cooper’s season statistics are impressive for a rookie linebacker; he is the first since Patrick Queen with the Baltimore Ravens in 2020 to achieve at least three sacks, an interception, a fumble recovery, and a forced fumble in a single season. The only other rookie linebacker for the Packers to reach similar milestones since 2000 was A.J. Hawk back in 2006.
“He’s a playmaker, and we are certainly relying on him to make crucial plays for us,” defensive lineman Kenny Clark expressed.
Cooper’s exceptional speed has earned him the nickname “Flash,” a title merited by his ability to cover ground quickly, making him a threatening defender. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley highlighted a play where Cooper closed in on a receiver from eight yards away, intercepting the pass just in time.
“He closes the distance very quickly,” said Hafley. “Although he might not always be in the perfect position, his speed allows him to make up for it. The more he learns, the more refined he becomes; his growth is noticeable.”
Last season, Cooper received first-team Associated Press All-America honors while at Texas A&M, thanks to his outstanding performance and game intelligence.
His former coach at Texas A&M, Jimbo Fisher, noted two of Cooper’s significant skills: his ability to process the game instinctively and his quickness to adapt even when out of position.
“He possesses a remarkable combination of length that helps him cover taller players and speed that allows him to catch up to modern tight ends and versatile receivers,” Fisher commented. “Linebackers who can maneuver well in open space are incredibly valuable in today’s game.”
Cooper also played running back during his high school career, with Fisher admiring his talent in both positions. However, it was clear from the beginning that Cooper had a knack for defense.
“He thrives on contact and loves the physicality of the game,” stated Fisher. “He’s intelligent and a fast learner.
“When evaluating linebackers, there’s an instinctive quality that goes beyond just learning the fundamentals. He has always possessed that natural ability to read the game effectively, something that can’t always be taught.”
