The Green Bay Packers had a clear goal entering the 2024 NFL Draft. They wanted to upgrade on the defensive side of the ball. With new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley changing to a 4-3 base after several years as a 3-4 defense, there were some needs on that side of the ball.
A scheme change means positional changes for some of the players on the roster. Some players who were linebackers last season will switch to defensive end. Even without a schematic change, there were needs on that side of the ball.
A lot of focus has been on the secondary, specifically the safety position. The Packers used three selections on players at the position, but linebacker was also a need.
Earlier in the offseason, the Packers released De’Vondre Campbell. That left the team thin on the second level of its defense, as Quay Walker was the only surefire starter in the mix. But, that changed in the 2024 NFL Draft.
In the second round, the Packers selected their first linebacker of the draft, Edgerrin Cooper out of Texas A&M. It was a pick lauded by evaluators, and Matt Bowen of ESPN took it to another level.
In Bowen’s opinion, the selection was one of the best in the 2024 NFL Draft. He named Cooper heading to the Packers as one of the best team fits and perfect landing spots of any prospect this year.
"Under new coordinator Jeff Hafley, the Packers’ defense will be more aggressive in coverage and pressure," Bowen wrote. "That means Cooper is a great fit due to his three-down ability and playmaking upside. Hafley can scheme him as an off-the-ball/edge blitzer while also maximizing his second-level range in coverage. Plus, Cooper can get to the perimeter in the run game and track down ball carriers."
Cooper had 79 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks and three pass breakups last season.
The Packers also used a third-round pick on Ty’Ron Hopper out of Missouri. He could factor into the mix on early downs as he develops his pass-rushing prowess, but Cooper should be an every-down player right off the bat for Hafley.
He fills a major need for the team, as he and Walker are one of the most athletic duos at the linebacker spot in the NFL. The Packers should have every inch of the field covered at the second level with those two, as they have the ability to play against the run, rush the passer or drop back into coverage.
