Beware a rumor within hours of the start of the first round, but here’s one to consider from Albert Breer of SI.com: Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper is in the mix for the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2024 draft.
Breer listed Cooper as a potential “surprise” first-round pick who might join a list of possible candidates for the Packers that includes Cooper DeJean and three other defensive front players.
From Breer:
Two surprise first-rounders? One could be Washington tackle Roger Rosengarten, who could be in play for San Francisco at 31 or Kansas City at 32. Another would be Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who I think could be in the mix with guys such as Illinois DT Johnny Newton, Missouri DE Darius Robinson, Penn State DE Chop Robinson or Iowa DB Cooper DeJean for the Packers at 25.
For some evaluators, Cooper is the top off-ball linebacker in the draft class. He was dominant during his final season at Texas A&M, producing 17.0 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks and two forced fumbles. He was a first-team All-SEC pick and an All-American.
The Packers have an obvious need at off-ball linebacker. Veteran De’Vondre Campbell was released, and the Packers are now transitioning to a 4-3 base defense under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Quay Walker and Isaiah McDuffie are penciled in as starters but it’s unclear if the Packers have a preferred “Mike” linebacker or a preferred running mate for Walker in nickel, which most teams run 80 percent or more of the snaps.
Cooper (6-2, 230) is 22 years old and checks the box for athleticism. He scored a 9.13 Relative Athletic Score after running the 40-yard dash in 4.51 seconds at the combine. The Packers hosted Cooper on a 30 visit ahead of the draft.
Would the Packers consider a second off-ball linebacker in the first round in three years? Walker and Cooper could be a dynamic run-and-hit duo for Hafley, but there are legitimate question marks regarding how they fit together considering Walker is expected to play on the weak side.
Cooper is the No. 41 overall player on the consensus big board, suggesting most view him as a second-rounder. He is Dane Brugler’s No. 46 overall player.
The Packers hold the 25th overall pick in the first round and the No. 41 overall pick and No. 58 overall pick in the second round. Thursday night’s first round kicks off at 7:00 p.m. CT.