Overview
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.

Strengths

• Plays each snap with unbridled passion and intensity.
• Much more responsive and decisive in 2023 than he was in 2022.
• Possesses elite long speed to walk down his tackle targets.
• Skilled block dodger with ability to play around traffic without slowing much.
• Terrific job of sniffing out screens and spying athletic quarterbacks.
• Good blitzer with adequate cover skills as zone dropper.
• Brings the thunder as a forceful striker.

Weaknesses

• Occasionally loses track of the football while searching the mesh point.
• Could struggle with consistency of diagnosis needed inside.
• Needs to drop pad level during block take-ons.
• Undisciplined with scrape technique and plugging his run fits.
• Lack of knee bend leads to inconsistencies as an open-field tackler.

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per mcginn
Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M (6-2, 230): Four-year player, two-year starter. “He was the only one of the ‘backers that looked like the entire package,” said one scout. “He’s by far the best because he can rush the passer, too. Eight sacks this year as the boundary linebacker. He did play 7-technique sometimes. Has up-field dip. As an inside ‘backer, he timed his blitzes. You see him downfield with backs on wheels.” Clocked 4.51 with a vertical of 34 ½ and a broad jump of 9-10. “Starting with Alabama (Oct. 7) he played as good as any linebacker there is,” a second scout said. “He can fly. He might go (first round) but he can’t wear the green dot. They had a freshman (Taurean York) running the defense. Cooper’s problem is he’s a real linear built kid. He weighed 218 at the start of the year.” Has very long arms (34). “Physical freak,” a third scout said. “You want to draw up an NFL linebacker, he looks like one. Just the way this guy moves. He can cover — better in man than zone … He has been a little inconsistent. There are some concerns about his instincts. Just don’t give this guy too much. Put him at ‘will’ and let him run around. From a physical standpoint, if you’re comfortable with the guy mentally, he has first-round talent.”

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this was an interesting pick. Best LB on the board by many. A real need considering the switch from base 3-4 to 4-3. Probably won't see many base formations. Nevertheless they needed another LB after giving Campbell his walking papers. It will be interesting to watch the debates and handwringing over should the Packers have taken someone else that was still available. Drafting is not a perfect science. I have to respect Gute for taking the player he thought was best.

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His strength to play the QB spy is what im most excited about. NFL is full of mobile QBs now.