Packers to host linebacker Edgerrin Cooper for top 30 pre-draft visit
The Green Bay Packers used free agency to address running back and safety issues, but not everything has been solved after a couple of days in the new league year. Off-ball linebacker is certainly a need, but with most of the top free agent options gone, the Packers might turn their attention to the draft. […]
The Green Bay Packers used free agency to address running back and safety issues, but not everything has been solved after a couple of days in the new league year. Off-ball linebacker is certainly a need, but with most of the top free agent options gone, the Packers might turn their attention to the draft.
According to Ryan Fowler, of The Draft Network and Bleacher Report, the plan is already being executed, as the Packers are one of the teams with a top 30 visit scheduled with Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper.
According to NFL Mock Draft Database's consensus board, Edgerrin Cooper is the 43rd best prospect of the class. That aligns well for Green Bay, because they have the 41st overall pick, receiving in the Aaron Rodgers trade from the New York Jets.
There might be a slight reach at some point, though, because there are several interested teams. Moreover, Cooper is the first off-ball linebacker on the consensus board in what is considered a weak class at the position — and with a mediocre free agent group still available.
NFL Network's draft analyst Lance Zierlein has an interesting evaluation of Cooper, comparing him to Devin Lloyd.
"Highly physical linebacker with elite top-end speed and a burning desire to get to the football that can lead to some inconsistencies in his play. Cooper is average at diagnosing the run but takes off around traffic on a mission to find the ball-carrier once he sees it. He can be undisciplined playing his run fits and takes unorthodox paths downhill, but he somehow finds ways to slither around blocks and make challenging tackles. Cooper is a punishing hitter/tackler from any spot on the field, but he’s going to overshoot the mark from time to time due to his lack of control in pursuit. He’s a capable quarterback spy, can blitz the pocket and will be an instant hit on special teams, but teams will need to balance the inconsistencies with the passionate run-and-hit mentality."
Market
According to Adam Caplan, who covers the NFL for Pro Football Network, the Packers were interested in former Denver Broncos linebacker Josey Jewell. However, he has already been signed by the Carolina Panthers.
The best options still available are Jerome Baker, released by the Miami Dolphins, and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers' first-round pick Devin White. There are additional names like Isaiah Simmons, Denzel Perryman, and former Packer Oren Burks, who had a decent season as a backup for the San Francisco 49ers.
Depth
The Packers transitioned from a 4-3 to a 3-4 base defense. Even though teams play in nickel package 75% of the time, linebacker depth is still more important for a 4-3 defense, allowing them to use three inside linebackers at the same time in base.
Right now, Green Bay's options on the roster are Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, Kristian Welch (who re-signed this week and is mostly a special teamer), and Christian Young (who had signed a futures deal with the Packers).
The team officially released De'Vondre Campbell on Wednesday, applying a post-June 1st tender to spread his dead money.
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