The Green Bay Packers did not necessarily rebuild their defense this offseason, but they sure did rejuvenate it. In addition to firing former defensive coordinator Joe Barry and replacing him with former Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley, the Packers used most of their picks on the first two days of the 2024 NFL Draft on defense.
With their first pick in the second round, the Packers selected linebacker Edgerrin Cooper out of Texas A&M. As is the case for many Packers rookies, Cooper has been brought along slowly. In Week One, he only played 11 snaps. The week after, he played only seven.
However, Cooper showed plenty of flashes in his few opportunities, which have resulted in more playing time. On Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he played 34 defensive snaps, 60% of the plays.
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It may have been the best game of his young career.
Green Bay Packers Rookie Edgerrin Cooper Dominated the Jacksonville Jaguars
The Packers Week Eight contest against the Jaguars also marked the first game that Cooper started in his NFL career. Starting linebacker Quay Walker was out due to a concussion he suffered in Green Bay’s Week Seven win against the Houston Texans.
Once again, Cooper took advantage of his opportunity. He registered nine total tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and a pass broken up, becoming the first Packers rookie ever to have those numbers in a single game.
Not only did he make franchise history, but it was also announced today that Cooper has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week, making him the first Packers rookie since Clay Matthews to win the award.
COWBOY COOP!
Everyone say hello to Week 8’s NFC Defensive Player of the Week!
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) October 30, 2024
As one might have expected, fans were pretty excited about Cooper’s Award:
When’s the last time an off-ball LB won the DPOW despite only playing 60% of the snaps? 🤔 https://t.co/ez8CruTAnY
— Marques Eversoll (@MarquesEversoll) October 30, 2024
Edgerrin Cooper is going to be a stud for a long time in Green Bay. Making big time plays consistently. He’s only 8 games in as a rookie. As he continues to develop watch out. https://t.co/VNNeZsdbuN
— Luke Beller (@lukebeller3) October 30, 2024
We prayed many nights for an LB like this https://t.co/q3tGQKipNk pic.twitter.com/3XWiki5cjY
— 🧀Packers 6-2🧀 (@SeeColes) October 30, 2024
Cooper’s snap count:
September: 57
October: 143Safe to say that those numbers will only continue to rise. https://t.co/BeVlxBW5mu
— Felipe Reis Aceti (@Aceti_Felipe) October 30, 2024
I can’t remember the Packers ever having an off-ball linebacker with the skills Cooper has. Love you Gute https://t.co/cYzOlorvM4
— Vinny (@YungHellenKell) October 30, 2024
Cooper has a chance to impress Packers fans even more this week as Green Bay takes on the high-octane Detroit Lions, who just put up 52 points against the Tennessee Titans.
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