In the early stages of the Green Bay Packers' rookie minicamp, linebackers Ty'Ron Hopper and Edgerrin Cooper have caught the attention of head coach Matt LaFleur with their strong performances on the practice field. While LaFleur acknowledged that there is still a long way to go, he commended the rookies' standout displays.

General manager Brian Gutekunst prioritized adding speed to the Packers' defensive unit during the draft, and Hopper and Cooper certainly fit the bill. Both players showcased their impressive straight-line speed, with Cooper running a 4.51-second 40-yard dash and Hopper recording similar times in the 4.5s range.

The rookies' speed was evident in their ability to flow towards the sidelines in the run game, filling running lanes with intensity. They also displayed their quickness in coverage, with Cooper tightly covering tight end Joel Wilson on a deep corner, and Hopper breaking up several passes.

Gutekunst expressed his satisfaction with the infusion of speed that Hopper, Cooper, and Javon Bullard bring to the defense. He praised their ability to run and hit, acknowledging the rare speed that Cooper possesses at the linebacker position.

Hopper primarily played middle linebacker, while Cooper lined up on the outside during the minicamp. However, their positions may evolve as the offseason programs progress. Gutekunst emphasized the importance of versatility in the linebacker position, wanting players who can seamlessly switch between different roles.

Both rookies embraced the idea of being versatile players who can contribute in various positions. Cooper expressed confidence in his ability to excel both on the outside and inside, while Hopper conveyed his willingness to adapt to different responsibilities as required.

As the Packers continue to evaluate the rookies, LaFleur emphasized the fluidity of assigning roles and positions. He assured that decisions on specific roles for the linebackers would unfold organically.

While it's important to remember that this is just the early stages of the offseason and the practice field was comprised of rookies and tryout candidates, the strong first impressions made by Hopper and Cooper cannot be ignored. Their speed and versatility have already caught the attention of the coaching staff.

Looking ahead, the rookies aim to continue learning and preparing themselves for the upcoming season. Cooper expressed his commitment to giving his all every day, while Hopper emphasized that their ultimate goal is to perform at their best on Sundays.

It is clear that these young linebackers have made an impact in their first taste of NFL action. As they progress through the offseason programs, fans will eagerly await their continued development as valuable assets to the Packers' defensive unit.