Texas A&M Star Edgerrin Cooper Confirms LB1 Status With Impressive Combine Numbers

The Texas A&M Aggies star linebacker might end up being a first-round pick in next year's draft

INDIANAPOLIS -- Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Edgerrin Cooper might not be a first-round pick in April's draft, but it's becoming clear he's the No. 1 prospect at the position.

After a strong performance Thursday evening at Lucas Oil Stadium, there's no denying his status as a rising star.

Cooper clocked in with the second-fastest 40-time among linebackers at 4.52 seconds. He also broad jumped 9-foot-10-inches and posted a 34.5-inch vertical jump.

4.52u for Edgerrin Cooper, the LB out of @AggieFootball 👀

📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/2BGgS10BDz

— NFL (@NFL) March 1, 2024

A projected second-round talent, Cooper said Wednesday he models his game after San Francisco 49ers Pro Bowler Fred Warner. It's a good comparison as the two have identical measurements at 6-3, 230 pounds.

Last season, Cooper dominated as the Aggies trudged their way through an underwhelming season. One could argue the Covington (La.) native was the lone bright spot in a year that led to the firing of Jimbo Fisher.

A consensus All-American, Cooper led the SEC. with 17 tackles for loss. He finished with 83 tackles, eight sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries as part of top-25 scoring defense.

Cooper said Wednesday he had formal interviews with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles earlier in the week. The Steelers also met with Cooper during the East-West Shrine Bowl as one of their formal interviews.

The Cowboys could be an interesting fit under new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who transitioned Anthony Barr from an edge rusher at UCLA into one of the league's better blitzing inside backers.

Fellow A&M product McKinnley Jackson also met with the Cowboys on Wednesday for a formal visit.

Cooper was one of five A&M players invited to the combine, joining offensive lineman Layden Robinson, receiver Ainias Smith, defensive back Demani Richardson and Jackson. Richardson, Smith and Robinson will test beginning on Friday afternoon.