Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper is garnering significant attention following a standout rookie season, and his head coach, Matt LaFleur, is firmly behind him. After being dubbed the Packers’ “secret superstar” by Pro Football Focus (PFF), LaFleur echoed the sentiment, stating that Cooper has the potential to become one of the NFL’s brightest stars.
Cooper, who was selected 45th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, finished his rookie season with a remarkable set of statistics, including 87 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one interception, four pass defenses, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. His dynamic performance in his debut year earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team and the All-Rookie Defense alongside his teammate Evan Williams. Despite his impressive start, LaFleur believes there’s still plenty of room for growth.
“I think he’s got superstar potential, I really do,” LaFleur said in a recent podcast. “But this offseason will be crucial for him. He’s got all the tools, now it’s about continuing to work and take his game to the next level.”
Standing at 6’2”, Cooper already possesses the physical attributes to succeed at the NFL level, but his development in 2025 will largely depend on how he uses the offseason to build on his rookie success. LaFleur noted that linebacker coach Anthony Campanile, who recently left the team for the Jacksonville Jaguars, played an instrumental role in Cooper’s progression.
“Cooper’s had a huge learning curve coming from Texas A&M, and you could see how much he improved as the season went on,” LaFleur continued. “The more he played, the more consistent he became. I know he’s going to put in the work this offseason, and with a new coach, it’ll be interesting to see how he continues to develop.”
Cooper, who was a Consensus All-American and First-team All-SEC player in 2023 at Texas A&M, is expected to stay in Green Bay for much of the offseason. According to LaFleur, the Packers’ coaching staff hopes to help Cooper get “bigger, faster, and stronger” as he prepares for a sophomore season that could see him take on an even bigger role within the defense.
In December, Cooper was named NFL Defensive Player of the Week after a standout performance against the Seattle Seahawks, including an interception and several key tackles. His growth from early struggles to consistent production was one of the highlights of the Packers’ 2024 season.
“Cooper’s best football is ahead of him,” LaFleur said. “His physical talent is off the charts, and now it’s about refining his technique and continuing to work on his consistency. If he can do that, he’ll be a huge part of our defense for years to come.”
As for Cooper, he seems determined to take the next step in his development. Having seen the progress he made from his time at Texas A&M to his rookie year in the NFL, Cooper is ready to work harder than ever before.
“This is just the beginning,” Cooper said. “I learned so much last year, and now I’m just focused on improving my game. I want to be one of the best linebackers in this league, and I know it’s going to take a lot of work. But I’m ready for that challenge.”
LaFleur is confident that Cooper has the mindset and determination to continue his upward trajectory. With the Packers’ defense set to be a focal point in the 2025 season, Cooper’s development could prove pivotal to Green Bay’s success. Whether or not he can meet the high expectations set for him remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — Edgerrin Cooper is a name to watch.
As the Packers prepare for the offseason, all eyes will be on the promising linebacker. With the support of his coaches, the right mindset, and an offseason to refine his skills, Cooper’s potential as a future superstar is limitless.