Quay Walker, Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie, Eric Wilson, Ty’Ron Hopper, Kristian Welch, and Christian Young make up the current Packers off-ball linebacker room. Only Walker has made double digit starts in professional competition. In light of this, it makes sense to believe that Cooper will emerge as the clear favorite in the competition and maybe earn the starting position at outside linebacker.
It’s anticipated that Green Bay will mostly play a 4-2-5 defensive, with Walker and Cooper probably starting at linebacker. But if the Packers decide to go with a conventional 4-3 configuration, Cooper might be a great fit as the Will linebacker.
Usually, Will linebackers position up on the backside of defensive alignments. Their main duty is to keep the fast-moving attack from taking advantage of holes in the defense. Will linebackers are frequently distinguished by their agility, speed, ability to cover, and powerful tackling prowess.
Pro Football Focus reports that Cooper had an outstanding 90.8 coverage grade at Texas A&M in the previous season. Additionally, he scored 73.7 for tackling and 87.6 for run defense. Cooper received an 85.5 in coverage and an 86.4 in pass rush.
Cooper recorded 56 stops, two forced fumbles, and 75 total tackles in the previous campaign. With 12 hurries, five quarterback hits, and 10 sacks, his pass-rushing effort stood out in particular.
Walker will probably assume the duties of the Mike position on the defense if Cooper is a Will linebacker for Green Bay. Walker’s starting experience will offer insightful knowledge and leadership in the field as he begins his third season. In addition, he has developed a rapport with his teammates and has played defense and coverage for two seasons.
Walker taking on a more analytical role in the linebacker room allows Green Bay to use Cooper more instinctively and physically. Every player needs to be able to think quickly and make decisions, but Cooper may be less able to respond quickly enough to meet the demands of the NFL if he overthinks things.
Cooper’s addition to Green Bay’s defense may close a long-standing physicality difference. When was the last time we witnessed a Packers defender bring the ball carrier five yards back with a tackle? Cooper’s style of play gives the defense a much-needed dose of aggression. Not only is he a terrific hitter and blitzer, but he also instills a murderous mindset in the team that has been absent.
It will be interesting to see how Cooper’s diverse skill set is used by Jeff Hafley in the Packers defense. Cooper gives Hafley a variety of deployment options because of his ability to blitz, cover, and rush the passer.
Furthermore, there is hope for Cooper’s progress as Green Bay’s linebackers coach Anthony Campanile takes over. Based on Campanile’s past performance, particularly his coaching of Jerome Baker in Miami, where Baker finished 2022 with a respectable defensive grade of 78.0, it appears that he has the ability to develop Cooper into a dependable starter for the Packers’ defense.
Cooper is positioned for success at the Will linebacker position, where his physical prowess is essential. But it’s important to recognize that football is still evolving. Limiting himself to a single role could impede his overall growth. Thus, expanding his skill set to play multiple linebacker positions, like Mike, offers him versatility and promotion potential.
