Packers attack a huge need after moving down in the second round
Off-ball linebacker Edgerrin Cooper is the second selection of the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Packers had the 41st pick of the draft, thanks to Aaron Rodgers’ trade to the New York Jets a year ago. Even though it wasn’t the first-rounder general manager Brian Gutekunst was hoping for when he […]
Off-ball linebacker Edgerrin Cooper is the second selection of the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Packers had the 41st pick of the draft, thanks to Aaron Rodgers’ trade to the New York Jets a year ago. Even though it wasn’t the first-rounder general manager Brian Gutekunst was hoping for when he pulled off the deal, it was still a valuable selection. So the GM made sure he would maximize the value, trading down to pick 45 with the New Orleans Saints and adding fifth- and sixth-round picks.
At 45, he attacked a huge need, taking Cooper. The question now is how the linebacker group will shake out. Theoretically, both Cooper and Quay Walker are primarily weak-side linebackers. Maybe Walker will move to middle linebacker, or maybe they will fight for the starting job with Isaiah McDuffie in the middle.
Gutekunst has frequently attacked needs in the second round, even for less valuable positions. He has taken guard Elgton Jenkins, running back AJ Dillon, and center Josh Myers over the years, for instance. Off-ball linebacker is not a premium position, but the general manager felt comfortable to spend in the second to presumably solve an issue.
Draft profile (via Rob Gregson)
Pros
- Block-Shedding
Displays an ability to swipe and lose would-be blockers. Excellent job manipulating linebackers - Man Coverage
Has the propensity to match backs and tight ends with fluid movement skills - Tackling
Very sound fundamentally with an excellent ability to drop his weight and wrap up properly
Cons
- Frame
Long but wiry for a traditional stacked backer - Physicality
He struggles to disengage with heftier linemen and can be left out to dry when caught in space - Pursuit angles
Consistently takes questionable angles to the ball, missing out on tackles that should be easy
Evaluation
Cooper is a rangy backer who can mirror pass catchers and play through the ball carrier with excellent fundamentals.
Teams will worry about his size and physicality, particularly on early downs as he develops.
With usage in sub packages early and the potential to be a three down player that fits the bill as a modern stacked backer with fluid movement skills and new age skillset.
Floor Comp: DeMarvion Overshown
Long player that can cover but lacks the sand in his pants to be a regular stacked player
Ceiling Comp: Tremaine Edmunds
Sideline-to-sideline player who makes the most of his length and has the physicality to play on an every-down basis
Position of need
In a vacuum, not considering positional value and impact, linebacker might have been the most glaring need for the Packers entering the draft. The projected starters are Quay Walker and Isaiah McDuffie, which is not the ideal scenario, and the backups are mostly special teamers.
Edgerrin Cooper is widely considered the best off-ball linebacker of the class, so they did what they could to attack the need.
Grading the Packers trade down from 41 to 45 with the Saints
Green Bay moved down before selecting Edgerrin Cooper
