Editor's Note: The 2024 NFL Draft is approaching the end of April, and the draft process is in full swing as the Dallas Cowboys and other teams conduct their board meetings to identify the right players for the next level. There is. The DallasCowboys.com staff provides potential picks before the draft to give the Cowboys context on potential targets when the time comes. Next up is Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper.
- name: Edgerline Cooper
- position: linebacker
- college: Texas A&M
- height, weight:6-3/230 (unverified)
- Did you know that? Cooper is college football's most valuable linebacker in 2023, according to **PFF's Wins Above Average**. He was in a league of his own among FBS linebackers last season, with season grades above 85 in coverage, run defense, and pass rush.
If you're looking for a linebacker prospect who can do just about everything the position requires at the NFL level, Edgerrin Cooper is the guy for you. His agile frame and long, wiry arms may have caused some problems in the run game as he tried to weave through stronger offensive linemen, but he also played well in man coverage against tight ends and running backs. His play has been exceptional as well, his pass-rushing knack has earned him approaching double-digit sacks as a senior, and his run game diagnosis remains excellent. If Cooper can add more bulk to his 230-pound frame, he will certainly develop at the next level at a time when opposing offensive linemen are trying to advance to the second level. The Texas A&M product will have the size and ability to beat blockers and make tackles. run game.
The NFL bracket and positional value of the linebacker group will be a big factor in determining where Cooper ranks come draft weekend. The do-it-all second-level threat has seen mocks place him anywhere from No. 22 overall to the Eagles to as late as the third round. The way I see him going down is when a team that needs a linebacker is a top 3 player at that position, if not the No. 1 player at the position, he's still available. Because I think so, it will be from the beginning to the middle of the second round. For the Cowboys, who have the No. 56 pick, the reality is that he's still available as they prepare to become a second-round pick.
It's hard to argue that any position group other than linebacker needs to be addressed with more urgency this offseason. That's because the Cowboys ended the season with Damone Clark, the only healthy player on the team, and converted safety Marquise Bell on the field. Provides second level support. They'll need to add more bodies to the room this offseason to pair with Clark and Demarvion Overshawn, who had his rookie season taken away by tearing his ACL in the preseason. Adding a free agent who can stop the flow and a versatile helper like Cooper could provide the right amount of help the Cowboys will be looking for at the second level this offseason. His ability to cover different types of receiving weapons and a history of showing high IQ on the field will only strengthen defenses that need additional support behind the defensive line.
