All-NFC North Team: T.J. Edwards' physical style translates in scheme

Against the run, it shouldn't matter.

"Up front I think it's an aggressive style, just knowing his defenses in the past and when they've been successful, what their scheme has looked like," Edwards said.

That would fit Edwards. His calling card has been a physical style and that can't help but translate to a new scheme.

He's made 284 tackles, two forced fumbles, 10 pass breakups, four interceptions and four fumble recoveries since coming to Chicago in 2023.

Here are the other three linebackers who found their way onto the All-NFC North squad.

Edgerrin Cooper, Green Bay Packers

The Packers second-year linebacker made it on the team despite starting only four games and playing in 14 last year. In his 493 plays, he led all rookies with 13 tackles for loss. He became the first NFL player with 10 tackles on special teams and at least 13 TFL since the 2000 season.

"Cooper has elite speed and a nose for the ball," wrote Green Bay Packers On SI's Bill Huber . "The expectation is a year of experience and offseason strength training will make him even more impactful. If Cooper stays healthy and former first-round pick Quay Walker plays like he did down the stretch before a late-season injury, Green Bay could have a formidable pair of every-down linebackers."

Blake Cashman, Minnesota Vikings

All three of Minnesota's losses last year came with Cashman out of the lineup. His value to the Vikings defense was obvious.

"When he missed two games in a four-day span early in the season—a 31-29 loss to Detroit and a Thursday night loss on the road against the Rams—the Vikings were gouged over the middle of the field, where Cashman typically roams, by Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford. His impact cannot be understated and he will again be the lynchpin on defense in 2025-26," wrote Minnesota Vikings On SI's Joe Nelson.

Alex Anzalone, Detroit Lions

The veteran made it on ahead of teammate Jack Campbell, as he has moved from being a rotational player to full-time status.

Anzalone had back-to-back seasons over 100 tackles and is a defensive captain but his situation bears watching because he didn't take part in the offseason workouts while waiting for a contract extension.

"His presence in the middle of the defense clearly invigorates the unit, as shown by the team holding Minnesota to nine points in his return from injury in the regular season finale," wrote Detroit Lions On SI's John Maakaron.