Edgerrin Cooper Breaks Into ESPN's Top 10 Off‑Ball Linebackers

Overview

• ESPN's preseason poll published July 14, 2026, placed Cooper ninth among off‑ball linebackers after votes from NFL coaches, scouts and executives and included at least one voter who ranked him as high as fourth.
• Cooper earned the recognition after a 2025 season as a full‑time starter and 205 tackles across his first two NFL seasons, including a career‑high 118 tackles in 2025 and measurable production in tackles for loss, sacks and pass breakups.
• The ranking comes as Green Bay lost Quay Walker to the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency and signed veteran Zaire Franklin as Walker's replacement, a roster shift that analysts say makes Cooper's rise more consequential for the Packers.
• NFL evaluators quoted in the coverage praised Cooper's physical traits and game processing, calling out his size, speed and anticipation, and the ESPN list reflects reputation and projection as well as past results.
• The next evaluation points are Green Bay's training camp and preseason under Jonathan Gannon, which will test whether Cooper can sustain his growth and influence team decisions about playing roles and future contracts.