Cowboys Projected to Add ‘Quarterback of the Defense’ in 2024 NFL Draft
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 drafting linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, defensive tackle Macki Smith, and edge rusher Michah Parsons since 2018, the Cowboys may be in a position to select an exciting talent 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.
“Cooper is a fun, do-everything linebacker,” Trapasso wrote. “Who could become the quarterback of the Dallas defense.”
As a junior in 2023, Cooper logged a career-high 83 total tackles with 8.0 sacks, a pair of forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery as one of the Aggies’ most consistently dominant defenders.
If the Cowboys wind up selecting Cooper, he could walk into the starting role Vander Esch previously occupied, before suffering a season-ending neck injury.
Given Parsons’ ability to wreak havoc on opposing backfields whether he lines up at defensive end or one of the Cowboys’ linebacker spots, Cooper would have the chance to form part of a dynamic duo in the heart of the Cowboys’ defense.
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 about like chess pieces from one series to the next or snap to snap.
Cooper had more than triple-digit touchdowns (204 total tackles), 8.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles in his three seasons plus at College Station. Cooper is the top linebacker on ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.’s 2024 Big Board.
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 expertise, which adds to his value and opens doors for him to play sooner at a higher level.
If the season ended today, the Cowboys would be projected to own the No. 26 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
Micah Parsons in Midst of Bizarre Streak
Parsons is in the middle of a bizarre streak, that seems to be frustrating the Cowboys’ star linebacker.
As the Cowboys’ Week 17 clash with the Detroit Lions looms, it has been 38 quarters, that’s over 9.5 games, since Parsons last drew a holding penalty.
“To be honest, in the most humblest way, I don’t think there’s another rusher like me in the league,” Parsons said, via Nick Eatman of the team website. “I don’t think there’s a rusher that runs as quick as I do. There’s not another rusher that does the things I do. And that’s on tape. I’m pretty sure other rushers can tell you that. [The refs] put me on the same pedestal as other rushers, and it’s not the same.
You can’t compare me to a lot of other rushers. How they scheme me vs. how they scheme other rushers, it’s not the same. I don’t think they realize I’m 4.3 off the edge. I think the refs understand I’m a good player but don’t understand the actual plays that I can make with my speed and what I can control.”
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.
Leave a Reply