Packers' Rising Defender Named One of NFL's 'Most Important' 1 Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (56) celebrates a tackle for a three-yard loss during the second quarter of their game Monday, December 23, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Green Bay Packers beat the New Orleans Saints 34-0.

Packers’ Edgerrin Cooper Looks Primed to Take Big Leap

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Aug 6, 2025 8:56 PM ET

If the first two weeks of Packers training camp are any indication of what’s to come for Edgerrin Cooper in 2025, the standout second-year linebacker could be primed for a major leap from what was a stellar rookie season.

Cooper has been a consistent playmaker, by all accounts, throughout this summer’s practice and appears poised to build on a 2024 campaign in which he received All-Pro votes.

Packers’ Edgerrin Cooper Hungry for more

With the lessons learned as a rookie already behind him, Cooper has high expectations for himself entering his second season.

“I feel like the sky’s the limit,” Cooper told reporters. “Now, I’m coming for it all. I feel like I have so much more left in my tank. Everybody’s saying how I’m this and that. I think I got a lot more. I don’t like to stay comfortable at all. I just want to attack it more.”

Playing faster and more instinctual is the next step for the former second-round draft choice in the 2024 NFL Draft, who produced 87 total tackles with one interception and 3.5 sacks, as a rookie.

It is no wonder that ESPN views Cooper as one of the most important second-year defenders across the league, entering 2025.

Even Packers quarterback Jordan Love is enthralled and impressed by Cooper’s upside.

“Just the speed he has,” Love told reporters, “the more he is able to dissect plays, I think it’s hard for these O-linemen on the run plays to get to him sometimes because he’s so quick.”

Packers' Edgerrin Cooper: Is This The 'Absolute Menace' Poised for All-Pro? 1 Dec 15, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (56) celebrates with cornerback Carrington Valentine (24) after Cooper intercepted the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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