Two Packers defenders make relevant midseason All-Rookie team

In the past nine seasons, only four Green Bay Packers players have made the All-Rookie Team: Jaire Alexander in 2018, Elgton Jenkins and Darnell Savage in 2019, and Quay Walker in 2022. Things might be on the way of change, though.

This year, a few rookies have had a lot of immediate impact for the Packers, and they have been nationally recognized for their performances. Earlier this week, for instance, The Athletic's draft analyst Dane Brugler, who does an amazing job with his draft guide called "The Beast," put together a list with his midseason choices for the All-Rookie Team.

Two Packers rookie defenders have made the team, off-ball linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and safety Evan Williams. Notable: Brugler chose only one player per position, not a real 22-player team like the real award will have. So the analyst really thinks Cooper and Williams are the two best rookie players at their respective positions.

Check out what he wrote:

LB: Edgerrin Cooper, Green Bay Packers

Despite coming off the bench as a rotational player, Cooper has found ways to make his mark, both on defense and special teams. His diverse production is an accurate reflection of the ways he can impact the game. He leads all rookie linebackers with 44 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, 2 1/2 sacks and a pair of pass breakups. Based on his progress, Cooper might separate himself as the Packers’ best linebacker before the end of the season.

S: Evan Williams, Green Bay Packers

A few weeks ago, I expected this spot to go to Javon Bullard. But the more Packers tape I watched, the more evident it was that Williams has been the more consistent and impactful Green Bay safety. He missed last week’s game against Detroit, and his absence was obvious. I put a fifth-round grade on Williams before the draft, because of his quick-trigger and field presence — although I was worried about his deep-field instincts (his coverage lapse allowed Michael Penix Jr. to throw the game-winning touchdown in last year’s Oregon-Washington game). But Williams has surpassed my (and most) expectations.

More than these two, Brugler also gave an honorable mention to Javon Bullard. Tyler Nubin (New York Giants) and Kamren Kinchens (Los Angeles Rams) will be good competitors, but it's not impossible to project an All-Rookie Team with two Packers safeties on it.

The lack of immediate impact had been a problem for the Packers lately. But not this year. The rookies are playing at a high level, and the surplus value potential is outstanding.