Nothing I say here can help soothe the sting of losing to the Eagles in this year's NFC Wild Card game. There's no blog anywhere on this planet that can help get you over the fact that they scored 10 points in the loss, and finished the year on a horrendously unpleasant three-game losing streak. It happened, and we all need to find our own way to come to terms with that.
But what I can do is try and distract you for roughly 45 seconds with a small bit of good news. Today's glimmer of hope comes from the Pro Football Writer's Association, which is self-described as "the official voice of pro football writers, promoting and fighting for access to NFL personnel to best serve the public" and "made up of accredited writers who cover the NFL and the 32 teams daily." (I only put that in quotes because that's exactly what their email describes them as, I'm not being facetious. They really do cover the NFL and 32 teams daily.)
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On Tuesday, the PWFA announced their All-Rookie team, and not one, but *two* Packers rookies made the list. It's like a playoff win, but better! Both Evan Williams and Edgerrin Cooper made the list, though the Rams' linebacker Jared Verse was named the PWFA's Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Evan Williams and Edgerrin Cooper both making the All-Rookie team proves that Packers' defense is in good hands
Edgerrin Cooper and Evan Williams both named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) January 21, 2025
Both are worthy recipients, as Cooper and Williams played huge roles on a Packers' defense that exceeded expectations for most of the season – especially under first-year defensive coordinator Jeff Halfey, who they hired from Boston College last offseason.
Williams played 473 snaps this year, compiling a 72.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, which ended up as the 33rd best among all eligible strong safeties (170). He had 33 solo tackles (76th best) and only allowed 13 receptions (74th best).
Cooper played 489 snaps and was one of the best linebackers in football this season. He finished the year ranked 10th in overall grade (PFF), 2nd in pass rush grade, and 18th in coverage grade. Among other linebackers, only three had more sacks (4.0) than he did.