As the college football season barrels toward its finish, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Edgerrin Cooper.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Edgerrin Cooper

Edgerrin Cooper (LB – Texas A&M)

6’3″ – 230 lbs.

Played sparingly in 2020 before redshirting, then totaled 339 snaps the following year, finishing with 58-5.5-0.5 before stepping into the starting lineup the following year and finishing with 61-8.0-0.0. Has been having an outstanding season as of the time of writing.

Positives:

Two-year starter with a third year as a significant contributor, with experience playing all three linebacker positions. Tall with what looks like long limbs and the frame to accommodate additional weight. Highly athletic, twitchy linebacker with the explosive downhill speed to disrupt the inside running game, and who offers true sideline-to-sideline range, playing with a sense of urgency. Diagnoses with solid discipline, avoiding taking many false steps. Generally does a nice job of keeping his shoulders square to the line when playing between the tackles.

Has the lateral quickness to work through traffic to the ball. Flexible player who has very good short-area quickness to slither through some tight spaces to make the tackle. Frequently used as an A-gap blitzer and shows impressive closing burst. Good snap-count anticipation as a rusher. Looks relaxed dropping into zones and has the range to execute various cover assignments; shows loose hips to pattern-match on crossers. Sniffs out screens and gets to the sidelines quickly to help. Length and athleticism could allow him to match up against some tight ends in man coverage.

Negatives:

Could still continue to add bulk and functional strength, and will likely be asked to do so. Could learn to use his length and hands more effectively to keep opponents out of his pads; can be overwhelmed on contact, struggling to anchor and leading to balance issues. Takes some circuitous paths to the ball in order to avoid taking on blocks. Doesn’t have the most stopping power; not afraid to stick his nose in, but isn’t a major tone-setter in terms of physicality. Uses a swim move at times as a rusher but relies primarily on finding clear lanes and could diversify his approach and use his hands more effectively.

Summary:

Very much a modern linebacker, with a highly impressive combination of length, diagnostic skills, quickness, range, and explosive downhill blitzing ability. However, he’ll probably need additional functional strength and further work on his technique when taking on blocks to avoid getting overpowered and washed out in the run game. Looks like a versatile future starter who could conceivably begin his career as more of a sub-package option. Would probably fit best as a weakside ‘backer behind a heavy four-man defensive front.

Projection: Round 2-3