GREEN BAY, Wis. — Edgerrin Cooper had a spectacular and promising rookie season for the Packers. He had 87 tackles and was named to the All-Rookie Team by the Pro Football Writers. The 2024 second-round pick from Texas A&M might be on the cusp of stardom.

“You have to push it to (the side),” said Cooper. “Try to do what’s the best you could do. Keep your standard high, and know if you do what you need to do, all the good things will come.”

As he enters the second season in Jeff Hafley’s system, Cooper feels he has a much better grasp of the defense.

“Just knowing football, just knowing the game,” said Cooper.  “Certain situations, what the offense wants to do. When you know those things, you bring everything down and limit your options to what could happen. So, you were able to play faster at that moment.” 

“I think our entire defense is attacking the ball, unlike any time I’ve seen in my seven years here,” Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur said. “They’re doing a really good job of taking it to heart.”

I asked Cooper if he would be more likely to speak up this season and be more of a leader, since he’s not a rookie anymore.

“Oh, yeah,” said Cooper. “We all try to be leaders. I like to lead by example. Make sure I’m doing the things I need to do, and I just try to bring the guys along.”

As much talent as he showed as a rookie, earning more playing time as the season went on, Cooper believes he can be better.

“First coming in, not knowing the playbook and those type of things. Now that I’ve been in this program, it’s natural. You feel so much confidence.”

Cooper believes he’s stronger from a combination of working out and dieting in the offseason.

“I wasn’t eating too good at first,” admitted Cooper. “I know just working out and doing those little things. Late night snacks and stuff like that, got to have those controls.”

Cooper was asked the favorite snack he gave up.

“I don’t know if ya’ll know about a thing called Nutter Butters?” said Cooper. “I still sneak one in every now and then. Can’t change the routine too much.” 

The reporters laughed, but Packers opponents won’t be laughing if Cooper continues his ascent to stardom.