Impact defenders have been chosen by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the NFL draft in recent years, and 2024 may see the continuation of this trend.
After selecting linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, defensive tackle Mazi Smith, and edge rusher Micah Parsons since 2018, the Cowboys may be in a position to select an intriguing prospect in the April 2024 NFL draft to address a pressing defensive need.
The Cowboys are expected to remain in the Lone Star State and select Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper in the first round of the following year’s draft, according to CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso.
Trapasso described Cooper as a “fun, do-everything linebacker.” “Who might end up starting at quarterback for the Dallas defense.”
As one of the Aggies’ most reliable and dominant defenders as a junior in 2023, Cooper recorded a career-high 83 total tackles with 8.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
Cooper could immediately take over Vander Esch’s starting position if the Cowboys choose to select him, before the latter sustained a neck injury that ended his season.
Cooper would get the opportunity to be a part of a dynamic duo in the center of the Cowboys defense, as Parsons can wreak havoc on opposing backfields whether he lines up at defensive end or one of the linebacker spots.
Edgerrin Cooper Scouting Report
At six feet three inches and two hundred and thirty pounds, Cooper possesses the necessary length and explosiveness that defensive coordinators look for in a linebacker, particularly in a time when players are swapped around like chess pieces from one series to the next or snap to snap.
In his three plus seasons at College Station, Cooper has amassed 204 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles. On ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s 2024 Big Board, Cooper is ranked first among linebackers.
Cooper possesses the length necessary to pursue the passer and create plays in the backfield, according to Will Backus of CBS Sports. According to his extremely disruptive stat line. In addition, he has a wealth of special teams experience, which adds to his value and opens doors for him to play sooner at a higher level.
The Cowboys are predicted to select No. 26 overall in the 2024 NFL draft if the season ends today.
Micah Parsons in Midst of Bizarre Streak
The Cowboys’ star linebacker appears to be getting frustrated by Parsons’ strange recent run.
When the Cowboys prepare to play the Detroit Lions in Week 17, it will have been 38 quarters—more than 9.5 games—since Parsons last received a holding penalty.
According to Nick Eatman of the team website, Parsons stated, “To be honest, in the most humblest way, I don’t think there’s another rusher like me in the league.” “I don’t believe that any rusher moves as quickly as I do. No other rusher performs the same tasks as me. That is captured on tape. That’s something I’m pretty sure other rushers can confirm. It’s not the same when [the referees] put me on the same level as other rushers.
“I can’t be compared to many other rushers. The way they con me differs from the way they con other rushers. They probably aren’t aware that I’m 4.3 off the edge. I believe the referees recognize my skill as a player but are unaware of the actual plays I can make because of my speed and other abilities.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has taken issue with the way referees have called games involving Parsons this season. He recently expressed his dissatisfaction with the officials during his weekly radio appearance.
On December 26, Jones stated, “I don’t think the intent is to take a player of his skill and limit him.” “He is officiated the same way, but most players who don’t receive those holds…” Micah finds them confusing. The quarterback is inaccessible to [other players]. Because Micah can, it is limiting to him.
