Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
Size:
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 230 pounds
Arm Length: 34”
Hand Size: 9 3/4"
Accomplishments:
AP All-American (2023) • First Team All-SEC (2023)
“Edgerrin Cooper is a twitched-up second-level defender with the length and explosiveness to live within the lungs of a defense.”
Strengths:
Length
Awareness
Downhill trigger
Intelligent violence
Athletic profile
Concerns:
Tight hips
Speed control in space
Plays high
Inconsistent stack/shed
Film Analysis:
Edgerrin Cooper is a twitched-up second-level defender with the length and explosiveness to live within the lungs of a defense. Aligned primarily as the ‘MIKE’ within the Aggies defense, Cooper’s success can come as an isolated second-level defender, or with a running mate. Versatile and athletic enough to serve as the lone LB inside unique packages.
As a run defender, Cooper showcases a violent downhill trigger. Always trusts his initial read. Quick feet to hop from gap to gap and the length to stack/shed opposing blockers. More consistency is warranted in that area, however. Takes outstanding pursuit angles (Alabama) and is quick to beat the opposition to the spot they want to get to. Sure tackler in space where length showcases well. Wingspan will cast a wide net to lure opposing ball-carriers in. Skillset as a blitzer and primary pass-rusher (10 sacks in 2023) is impressive, as well.
In coverage, Cooper is a constant communicator whose head remains on a swivel to locate crossers. Correct depth is consistently reached to force everything in front. Rarely beaten across his face in man principles over the middle of the field. Length and burst force quarterbacks to consistently make tight-window throws. Will not have an issue covering running backs and tight ends at the next level. He showcased his ability as a QB spy on multiple occasions, as well.
Concerns remain about controlling his speed in open grass (Auburn). Can often over-pursue and fail to chop feet upon approach. More agile ball-carriers can force misses in space. This is an extremely fixable issue that should be corrected as the game continues to slow down. He plays a tick high at times, where he will expose a large surface area for blockers to take advantage of. Gaining an increased amount of depth in his lower half approaching the line of scrimmage will present both a smaller area to attack and quicker transitions when exploding downhill. Frame has room for increased strength (stack/shed) and flexibility (transitions in coverage) that should assist in multiple phases.
Overall, Cooper is a dynamic, modern linebacker who should make an impact early at the NFL level inside an aggressive scheme. There remain no concerns about his ability to play on all three downs, and a defense in need of a highly instinctive athlete should evaluate Cooper among the premier linebackers in the class.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Winning Starter
Exposures: Miami (2023), Auburn (2023), Alabama (2023)
