Packers Mailbag: Edgerrin Cooper’s role and how versatility may affect development
The Green Bay Packers' draft is over, and the team is mostly built for the next season. Now, it's time for the rookie minicamp, offseason activities and… a lot of debate about how the young players will fit the team moving forward. After a week off because of the draft, the Packers Mailbag is back […]
The Green Bay Packers' draft is over, and the team is mostly built for the next season. Now, it's time for the rookie minicamp, offseason activities and… a lot of debate about how the young players will fit the team moving forward.
After a week off because of the draft, the Packers Mailbag is back to answer your questions.
Edgerrin Cooper himself said during the pre-draft process that he would rather play as a a weak-side linebacker, because that position allows him to be more instinctive and think less. That's fine to a point, but it was also my main reason for concern about his fit with the Packers during the pre-draft process.
And that's because this is also the role Quay Walker is best at. Now, the Packers have basically two weak-side linebackers, while the middle linebacker is still Isaiah McDuffie. My guess is the Packers understand by now that Walker isn't what they expected he would be when they took him in the first round two years ago, so they are not operating to extract as much value as possible for him.
The Packers, instead, will use him where it's possible to put the best players on the field ans see what happens. If Walker can't play as a middle linebacker, he will probably lose the starting job to McDuffie.
I'd go with both safeties, Evan Williams and Kitan Oladapo. As we talked about during the draft, Brian Gutekunst tend to attack needs in the draft, and when he does it, he uses multiple picks for the same position. That's a smart approach, because if you use only one pick and the player doesn't pan out, the need is still there.
Williams is a versatile defensive back, while Oladapo is more of a classic strong safety. Both could have interesting roles for this defense, and they seem more ready to contribute than the day 3 offensive linemen, for example.
We have seen several teams misuse players trying to fit them into multiple positions or in a wrong position. The Arizona Cardinals immediately come to mind with Haason Redick, Isaiah Simmons, and Zaven Collins.
Most likely, the Packers' front office looks for versatile players, so coaches can find a usage for them somewhere. For example, offensively, Green Bay likes shorter tackles so if they fail, the team can move them to guard. But once the coaches get to know the players, they will presumably find the best role for each one of them.
Maybe, one specific player can have several different roles and we will understand more of that when we see exactly how Jeff Hafley's defense operate. However, my assumption is that versatility at the college level won't necessarily mean a varied usage in the NFL. Part of Hafley's job is to understand how to use these players, and allowing them to learn their roles is a big factor.
That's one of the worst parts of not living in the United States. Isaiah. It would be a a long, expensive trip. I would certainly love to be part of that environment, and a draft in Green Bay will have a crazy atmosphere. It's one of the most impactful moments in Packers' history and also for the city of Green Bay, who lives the franchise so intensely.
I don't see that happening. TJ Slaton might lose snaps to Devonte Wyatt and Karl Brooks, who are better penetrators, but he is still the best run-stuffer of the unit, and that probably includes Kenny Clark. He is a solid role player, and his role is relevant in specific situations.
Final grades for the Green Bay Packers’ 2024 NFL Draft class
Packers selected 11 players in this year’s draft
