Heat Check at Minicamp: LaFleur Calls Edgerrin Cooper “As Explosive as I’ve Ever Seen” — Packers’ Ground Game Poised for Breakout in 2025

The buzz surrounding the Green Bay Packers’ offseason just got a jolt of electricity. Head Coach Matt LaFleur didn’t hold back during minicamp, heaping high praise on rookie linebacker-turned-backfield-wrecker Edgerrin Cooper. Speaking to the media after a high-intensity practice session, LaFleur called Cooper “as explosive as I’ve ever seen,” igniting a firestorm of excitement and speculation among Packers faithful and NFL observers alike.

It’s not often that a rookie receives such high acclaim this early in the offseason, especially in a franchise steeped in tradition and known for its high standards. But LaFleur’s statement wasn’t just coach-speak — it reflected what those in attendance witnessed with their own eyes: a defensive phenom with rare speed, elite instincts, and violent efficiency at the point of attack.

Edgerrin Cooper, a second-round pick out of Texas A&M, has wasted no time proving that his transition to the NFL may not take long at all. In minicamp drills, the 6-foot-3, 230-pound linebacker looked every bit the part of a future game-changer. His closing burst, lateral quickness, and downhill explosiveness stood out immediately, drawing comparisons to elite-level linebackers across the league.

Cooper’s immediate impact is more than just a pleasant surprise — it could reshape the identity of Green Bay’s entire defense heading into 2025. The Packers already boast a strong defensive line led by Kenny Clark and ascending edge rusher Rashan Gary, but the addition of Cooper gives them a legitimate sideline-to-sideline presence who can erase run plays, cover tight ends, and pressure quarterbacks without warning.

Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, in his first year with the team, has been installing an aggressive, fast-flowing defensive scheme that emphasizes speed, versatility, and chaos. Cooper fits that mold to perfection.

With Cooper anchoring a defense expected to be more aggressive and turnover-focused, Jordan Love and the offense could find themselves starting drives in better field position. That would ease pressure on the passing game and give more flexibility to utilize the run — especially with new additions to the offensive backfield.

Second-year runner Emanuel Wilson and free-agent pickup Josh Jacobs are set to lead a reshaped rushing attack. Both bring different elements — Wilson with his cut-on-a-dime agility and Jacobs with his power-forward running style. But with better field position and a more physical defense, they won’t have to carry the offense — they’ll be able to unleash it.

LaFleur isn’t one to make wild proclamations. His coaching style is often measured, detail-oriented, and pragmatic. So for him to shower this level of praise on a rookie at this stage speaks volumes.

That’s exactly where the Packers are aiming: high. After falling just short in the Divisional Round last season, Green Bay enters 2025 with confidence and expectations. Jordan Love has matured into a poised leader. The offensive line is getting healthier. The receiving corps, led by Christian Watson and Jayden Reed, is fast and dangerous.

Training camp is still weeks away, and the real test will come when the pads go on. But make no mistake — Edgerrin Cooper has already altered the trajectory of this team’s offseason. He’s energized the defense, given LaFleur a new chess piece, and sent a clear message across the NFC North: the Packers might just have found the next great defender to carry their legacy forward.