Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper is solidifying his first-round grade after a productive first few days at the 2024 NFL Combine. His stock has risen with a top-five time for a linebacker with a 40-yard dash time of 4.51.
He spent a portion of his time answering questions from the media from everything about his hobbies to the future of the SEC conference. Cooper confirmed that he’s spoken with the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Cooper exploded back onto the scene his junior year (redshirt) with an All-American season where he ranked in the Top 10 in sacks and tackles. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein is comparing him to Devin Lloyd and is a good project.
Highly physical linebacker with elite top-end speed and a burning desire to get to the football that can lead to some inconsistencies in his play. Cooper is average at diagnosing the run but takes off around traffic on a mission to find the ball-carrier once he sees it. He can be undisciplined playing his run fits and takes unorthodox paths downhill, but he somehow finds ways to slither around blocks and make challenging tackles. Cooper is a punishing hitter/tackler from any spot on the field, but he’s going to overshoot the mark from time to time due to his lack of control in pursuit. He’s a capable quarterback spy, can blitz the pocket and will be an instant hit on special teams, but teams will need to balance the inconsistencies with the passionate run-and-hit mentality.
Below are some of the quotes from Cooper Q&A.