According to most mock drafts early this offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers will select an offensive lineman or cornerback in the first round of the NFL draft. However, the Steelers could target an inside linebacker. According to Bleacher Report’s Ryan Fowler, the Steelers “love” Edgerrin Cooper, the consensus top linebacker in the class from Texas A&M.
“Texas A&M LB Edgerrin Cooper met with all 32 teams at Shrine, but one team stood out, according to sources,” Fowler wrote on X (previously Twitter).
The Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Mike Tomlin’s staff met multiple times with Cooper, and reportedly ‘love’ his game. Potential top LB in the class.”
Cooper recorded 8 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and 94 tackles for Texas A&M in 2023. He also recorded two pass defenses, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
ESPN and Pro Football Focus draft evaluators rank Cooper as the best inside linebacker in the 2024 class. According to Bleacher Report, Cooper is ranked second in his position.
Cooper’s speed was recognized by the BR NFL scouting staff as his “best asset.”
“He can fly.”
Steelers show interest in LB Edgerrin Cooper.
It’s no surprise that the Steelers prefer Cooper. Given his status as one of the top two inside linebackers in the upcoming class, any team would certainly want to sign the Texas A&M standout.
But the Steelers aren’t hiding their affection for Cooper.
“I could tell they are really interested,” Cooper told Steelers Now at the Shrine Bowl. “For sure, I think they like my game a lot.”
The scouting report on Cooper may remind some Steelers supporters of Ryan Shazier. The Steelers selected Shazier, who was recognized for his speed, in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft.
“That [Speed] helps [Cooper] in man coverage, as he can cover tight ends and running backs on deep routes,” a member of the BR NFL staff wrote. “With his superb lateral movement ability, he seldom gets out of phase when playing man. It also helped him get sacks as a spy since he can close on ball-carriers quickly.
Cooper is also a powerful linebacker who is “not afraid to throw his body around” on run defense.
Cooper’s size is his main disadvantage. He stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 230 pounds. According to Bleacher Report’s draft assessment of Cooper, he has a “wiry frame.”
Where Could the Steelers Pick Cooper in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Pittsburgh’s desire to locate another sideline-to-sideline linebacker may be outweighed by the need for offensive line or cornerback depth. However, the Steelers could use more depth at inside linebacker.
Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander had season-ending injuries in 2023. Alexander is a free agent this summer.
Cooper is regarded as one of the best linebackers in the 2024 class, although he is not guaranteed a first-round pick.
According to ESPN, Cooper is the No. 45 overall prospect in the 2024 class. He is ranked No. 62 by PFF and received a third-round grade from Bleacher Report.
“In a bad linebacker class, Cooper feels like the one guy who might go in the first round,” said Steelers Now’s Nick Farabaugh. “Would Pittsburgh use the 20th overall pick on Cooper following his breakout season?
“That is the question to answer in this scenario, regardless of their interest in him. The worth at tackle, for example, may be higher than Cooper’s total ranking of 20th.
The other concern is if Cooper could be available at No. 51 overall when the Steelers make their second pick. Based on his current pre-draft rankings, that’s very feasible.
The Steelers may also consider trading up the draft board in the second round.
