Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst saw a vision long ago and now, they are taking it to another level.
Assistant Director of College Scouting Pat Moore previewed what they would get in Edgerrin Cooper in April last year and one thing that stood out was how he can mesh well with fellow linebacker Quay Walker.
“Edgerrin’s probably not as thick right now as Quay was coming out but same type of speed and intensity,” he said via Packers Wire.
“Obviously, you’re seeing them play the same type guys, same competition. Little bit different game but same type of physical traits and aggression, play style.”
Cooper lived up to the hype as a 45th pick as he was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. He followed the footsteps of Walker who was also part of the All-Rookie Team in 2022 as the team’s 22nd overall pick.
Brian Gutekunst previews what to expect from the LB duo
Cooper managed to break the All-Rookie team despite missing three weeks due to a hamstring injury. That should be a sign of how much more he can do, not just based on availability but also on the time he spent with Walker.
Gutekunst thinks the duo will be significant in the coming years for them.
“Really having those two guys on the field at the same time, the athleticism and size that brings, the ability to rush the passer, the ability to cover,” he said in an interview with Cheese TV.
“I think those two guys are going to work well off each other as we move forward.”
Before that though, the team needs to make sure that Walker will still be with the team.
The two parties are currently working on a new contract and Gutekunst said they are looking for a better deal for him.
“We’re going down that (extension) road with him as well to see if we can make that happen as well.”
