Packers rookie surprisingly tumbles down depth chart ahead of Week 1

Edgerrin Cooper is arguably the Green Bay Packers' most exciting draft pick.

With his speed, athleticism, and ability to blitz, Cooper is the perfect addition to the Packers' new-look defense under Jeff Hafley. However, take one look at the Packers' first depth chart of the season, and you won't find his name listed under the starting defense.

Despite switching to a 4-3 system under Hafley, which requires three starting linebackers in the base defense, Cooper isn't among them.

The Packers have listed Quay Walker, Eric Wilson, and Isaiah McDuffie as the starting trio, with draft picks Cooper and Ty'Ron Hopper as part of the second team. However, it's almost certainly not something to worry about.

Packers fans don't need to panic about Edgerrin Cooper ahead of Week 1

For starters, it's an unofficial depth chart, whatever that means. Matt LaFleur has admitted to not paying too much attention to it. He doesn't care what the depth chart says.

Cooper is also coming off an injury and hasn't taken many reps of late. He missed the entire preseason due to a groin issue and needs time to get up to speed in Hafley's system. There's a good chance he will begin on the bench, with Walker, Wilson, and McDuffie starting in the base defense. They have all performed well this summer and played enough snaps.

That doesn't mean it will stay that way for long. Cooper could quickly regain a starting job once he can shake off the rust and get some real snaps in the regular season.

The bigger concern for the Packers is their lack of depth at linebacker. Their decision to release preseason star Kristian Welch made little sense. He forced a turnover in each of the Packers' three exhibition games and did everything he could to make the 53-man roster. Instead, he will play for the Denver Broncos.

Green Bay needs more linebacker depth as it transitions to a 4-3 scheme, making the Welch decision all the more confusing.

Depth is the issue at linebacker, not Cooper's spot on the depth chart. It shouldn't take long for the rookie to earn a featured role in Hafley's defense. He has star potential in this system.

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