Written By Adam Aniba
Although this years draft may lack blue chip linebackers projected in the top 30, day 2 will likely feature a few tone setters at the position.
Texas A&M outside linebacker Edgerrin Cooper is not only a tone setter, he seems to possess a sixth sense when it comes to pre-snap recognition. In addition his ferocity is infectious and in many cases the Aggies linebacker was the best man on the field in '23.
Edgerrin Cooper
6'2" 230 lbs | LB | TEX A&M
Draft Proj 2nd Rd
Career (37 Games)- 205 TAK (111 solo), 30.5 TFL, 8.5 SACKS, 2 INTs, 8 PD, 3 FF & 2 FR
'23 Stats (12 Games)- 84 TAK (39 solo),17.0 TFL, 8 SACKS, 2 PD, 2 FF & 1 FR
Background
Edgerrin Cooper grew up in Covington, LA and played linebacker for Covington High School.
Cooper was ranked as a 4-star recruit by ESPN and was a top 10 prospect in the state of Louisiana. The linebacker ultimately committed to play for Texas A&M for the 2020 season.
In 2020 as a redshirt freshman, Cooper was active in 10 games with most of his snaps coming on special teams.
In 2021 Cooper was active in 12 games with 1 start. He finished the season with 58 tackles (37 solo) which was 4th on the team, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 0.5 sacks, 1 interception and 1 pass defended. His efforts led to him being named to the SEC All-Freshman Team.
Cooper was active in 11 games with 8 starts in 2022. On the season he recorded 61 tackles (33 solo), 8 tackles for a loss, 1 interception, 5 passes defended, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery.
The Aggies linebacker had a breakout season in '23 with 8.0 sacks and team leading 17 tackles for loss in 2023. He also led the team with 84 tackles and was named to the 1st-Team All-SEC team and to the AP All-American team.
Cooper is a prospect that still has a ton of room to grow and had the following to say on Twitter X.
"I've spent much of my college career perfecting my craft and bettering myself in every way possible to be prepared for the opportunity to perform in the NFL. While I always have room to grow, I feel prepared to enter this next season of life."
PROS
Excelled when lined up on the edge displaying elite traits as a blitzer
Athletic profile can be utilized as a chess piece and used in multiple roles
A ferocious hitter that excelled at diagnosing screens
More than held his own in coverage, displaying the ability to excel in zone concepts and mirror tight ends
Displays a non-stop motor and is relentless in pursuit
CONS
His elite burst can be a determinate at times, as he occasionally over-pursues the ball carrier when jumping the snap
Needs to be more consistent when sealing holes vs the run
Plays too high at times causing him to lose leverage
Struggles to consistently shed blocks and needs develop counters
Transition out of breaks require clean up
Outlook
After running a 4.51 second forty yard dash during the NFL Combine, but vowed to improve on the time during his pro day. Well Cooper is a man of his word and improved his forty time 4.46 second.
Although a forty time isn't the determining factor of a prospects ceiling, improving on his time is a testament to his dedication as a football player.
Cooper is a prospect that certainly can go in the 1st round, but with only average statistics prior to 2023, teams will likely question if the Aggie's linebacker was a one hit wonder.
The team the drafts Cooper will get a versatile defender, who can be moved all around the defense with the opportunity to be a utilized as a blitzer off the edge from day 1.
*GAMES WATCHED*
9/23/23 vs Auburn, 9/30 vs Arkansas, 10/7 vs Alabama, 10/28 vs S.Carolina, 11/4 vs Miss & 11/25 vs Louisiana St.
**CLICK CARD BELOW FOR MORE SCOUTING REPORTS**
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