In just his second NFL campaign, Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper established himself as one of the league's top players at the position. The club landed Cooper in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and he's carved out a significant role as one of the defense's leaders entering the 2026 season.
Despite notching only four starts as a rookie in 2024, Cooper flashed tremendous potential and emerged as a premier run defender at the defense's second level. With 87 total tackles, 13 for loss, he set the stage for a highly anticipated 2025 campaign where he built on an encouraging rookie season.
The Texas A&M product was a full-time starter in his sophomore season for the Packers, racking up 118 tackles, four for loss, with two forced fumbles. Cooper's efforts garnered national attention a season ago, raising expectations entering year three.
Over the weekend, Pro Football Focus named Cooper as one of 10 players capable of making a first-time All-Pro appearance, joining notable players such as Justin Herbert, De'Von Achane, and Joey Porter Jr.
Hall of Famer Ted Hendricks has been the only Packer linebacker to carve out an All-Pro nod in the Super Bowl Era, with Cooper expected to join such company in 2026.
Expectations Elevated For Edgerrin Cooper, Packers LBs In Micah Parsons' Absence To Open 2026 Campaign
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The Packers will endure a significant absence to kick off a crucial 2026 season. All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons is slated to miss at least the first five weeks of the season as he continues to rehab a torn ACL and meniscus that cut short his 2025 campaign.
With Parsons sidelined, Jonathan Gannon will look for his biggest stars to produce early in the season, including his star linebacker. Cooper will help anchor a talented defense in Green Bay in Parsons' absence as he eyes his own All-Pro bid in 2026.
