NFL defenses have used a higher rate of Cover 2 and Cover 4 defenses over the last couple years to help tamp down on explosive passing. And while it’s certainly worked to that end, it’s also forced them to defend the run with 7 or 6-man boxes.
That could be good news for players like Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper. Cooper has been considered one of the best off-ball linebackers in the draft thanks to his size, athleticism, and ability to play in space as well as downhill.
The New York Giants are in a good place with their linebacking corps, but it’s also a unit that was built for a different defense.