Green Bay Packers fans know how good Edgerrin Cooper is, but he is still slipping under the radar nationally.
That's quickly changing. Cooper is already earning respect in the league, including the highest of praise from one of the best linebackers of this generation, Lavonte David.
David recently announced his retirement from the NFL after an incredible 14-year career that will undoubtedly earn him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, David was asked about his favorite linebackers in the NFL, and he named Cooper as one of the "upcoming guys" he enjoys watching.
"I really like the guy in Green Bay, Edgerrin Cooper. Young guy balling. Alex Anzalone, I'm a fan of him. Zaire Franklin, he's a solid guy," David said. "If you're playing the position the right way. You're being physical, you're attacking, you're not shying away, you're doing what you're supposed to do, you're making plays."
Lavonte David delivers high praise for Edgerrin Cooper and new Packers linebacker Zaire Franklin
David didn't stop at Cooper, either. He also mentioned Zaire Franklin, whom the Packers acquired via trade earlier this month. Franklin is coming off a disappointing season with the Indianapolis Colts but earned Pro Bowl honors after leading the NFL in tackles only two years ago.
Franklin could be a solid addition to Green Bay's defense, but Cooper is undoubtedly a rising star. A future All-Pro.
Cooper made the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2024 and again showed star potential last season. His excellent 75.7 PFF grade ranked 17th among 88 linebackers, and his 76.5 coverage grade was good for seventh at the position.
While Cooper's pass-rush production regressed in Year 2, his overall impact on the defense increased. He went from four starts in 2024 to 16 last season, and his snap counts more than doubled. The Packers' defense took a step back anytime he left the field. Outside of Micah Parsons, Cooper is arguably the most athletic defender in Green Bay, and he uses his elite speed to fly to the football.
PFF credited Cooper with 45 stops, which ranked 20th among all defensive players at any position.
He officially finished his second season with 118 tackles, four tackles for loss, four pass defenses, and two forced fumbles.
It will likely take a better statistical year for Cooper to truly break into the Pro Bowl conversation, but that will happen in time. Packers fans have seen the impact he makes on defense. He played a vital role in slowing down Jahmyr Gibbs in both games against the Detroit Lions, particularly in the meeting at Lambeau Field.
In that contest, Gibbs rushed nine times for just 19 yards, averaging 2.1 yards per carry. Cooper finished the game with a season-best 12 tackles and eight solo tackles. It was a dominant performance.
Packers fans have been saying it for two years. Lavonte David sees it, too. Cooper is a rising star and has become the most important defensive player in Green Bay not named Micah Parsons.