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Packers' Cooper Ranks Top 10 Linebacker
14 Jul
Summary
- Edgerrin Cooper debuted at No. 9 among NFL off-ball linebackers for 2026.
- He recorded 118 tackles in 2025, a career high, impacting run and coverage.
- Cooper's performance in 2025 showed no touchdowns allowed in his coverage.
Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper has emerged as a top talent at his position. He debuted at number nine on ESPN's ranking of off-ball linebackers for the upcoming 2026 season, compiled from evaluations by coaches, executives, and scouts. This ranking signifies his potential as an elite player, with some NFL insiders viewing him highly.
Cooper's performance over his first two seasons includes 205 total tackles and 17 tackles for loss. In 2025, he became a full-time starter and recorded a career-best 118 tackles, proving effective against the run, in pass coverage, and as a blitzer. Notably, during the 2025 season, no opposing touchdowns were scored when the ball was thrown into his coverage. He also recorded 12 pressures and 50 total stops in 17 games, including playoffs.
His upward trajectory suggests Cooper could solidify his status among the NFL's elite linebackers in 2026. This upcoming season will be his third overall and his first playing under defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. Former Packers linebacker Quay Walker received an honorable mention, while his successor in Green Bay, Zaire Franklin, garnered votes but did not make the top 10 or honorable mentions.
