Packers sign a second-round linebacker…….

Packers sign a second-round linebacker.

Since 2022, the Packers have picked two off-ball linebackers in the first two rounds, with Edgerrin Cooper joining Quay Walker in Wisconsin. This signifies a shift for the team, with some talented prospects expected to occupy the defensive second level.

This offseason, the Packers traded De’Vondre Campbell (by release) after three years and selected Cooper with the 45th overall choice. That draft pick comes with at least two years guaranteed and either all or part of Year 3 locked in. While it remains to be determined how well Cooper performed in terms of 2026 guarantees, the Texas A&M product signed a four-year rookie contract Thursday.

Walker became the Packers’ first non-rush linebacker selected in the first or second round since A.J. Hawk in 2006. Following a string of Day 3 LBs, with Oren Burks the sole third-round pick from 2007 to 21, Green Bay is prioritizing this position. It is reasonable to expect the team to use Walker and Cooper as three-down linebackers for several seasons, if Cooper is ready.

The Pack also backed up Cooper’s signing with a third-round linebacker pick, acquiring Ty’ron Hopper from Missouri. New DC Jeff Hafley will have some possibilities for the role. Walker’s rookie contract goes through 2025, with a fifth-year option (though teams have recently passed on ILB options) that could extend the deal until 2026. Cooper and Hopper will be signed until 2027.

Cooper, this year’s first off-ball LB, was chosen from a small group of candidates. Cooper, according to Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL.com big board, is a first-round talent ranked 26th overall. Cooper was named first-team All-American last season after putting on a diverse performance for the Aggies. He recorded 84 tackles, eight sacks, and 17 tackles for loss. Cooper was a productive blitzer who also performed well in coverage, recording two forced turnovers during the 2023 season.

Green Bay moved down four spots in Round 2 by adding fifth- and sixth-round picks, while New Orleans received the No. 41 overall pick. As the Saints strive to develop Kool-Aid McKinstry, the Packers will rely on Cooper as an early-career starter.