Packers draft Edgerrin Cooper in Round 2: Instant grade and analysis
Moments after the Green Bay Packers got their hearts broken by the Philadelphia Eagles, who moved ahead of them to land Cooper DeJean, they added another Cooper to their defense.
After trading down four spots, Green Bay selected Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper.
The Packers desperately needed help at linebacker, not only after releasing De'Vondre Campbell, but also with the team moving to a 4-3 system under Jeff Hafley. In a thin class at the position, Green Bay landed the best linebacker available, and Cooper could be a difference-maker.
With Jordan Morgan and Edgerrin Cooper, the Packers have landed two prospects who make a ton of sense for what they look for.
Packers Draft Grades: Edgerrin Cooper is home-run addition to defense
Grade: A
Edgerrin Cooper helps Green Bay's defense in a number of ways. He has the speed, athleticism, and playmaking ability the Packers covet and can be a big-time addition to Hafley's defense.
Cooper earned PFF grades over 80 for run defense, coverage, and pass rush. He is a true three-down linebacker with sky-high potential. With a Relative Athletic Score of 9.13, it's no surprise the Packers were interested in the Texas A&M product.
With a glaring void in the middle of the defense, Cooper can step right into a starting job next to Quay Walker and Isaiah McDuffie. He will provide help against the run, can cover tight ends, and can be used as a blitzer in Hafley's aggressive scheme. With an incredible 17 tackles for loss and eight sacks for Texas A&M last season, Green Bay is adding a game-changer on defense.
Green Bay gets tremendous value, too. Cooper was ranked 29th in the draft class by NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah.
"Cooper is an instinctive and explosive prospect who generates a bunch of splash plays. He's ready to start right away, and I believe his best football is still ahead of him," writes Jeremiah.
Overall, it's hard not to be impressed with the move after trading down.
The first round of the draft is exciting, but Day 2 is where the Packers can find great value. Last year, they landed Luke Musgrave, Jayden Reed, and Tucker Kraft while also trading down for two picks they turned into Dontayvion Wicks and Karl Brooks the following day. They are hoping for similar success tonight.