The NFL Draft Packers’ 2024 Draft represents a pivotal moment for every franchise, and the Green Bay Packers are no exception. With a young, promising team and a clear vision for the future, the 2024 draft held significant weight. Fans eagerly anticipated how the Packers would bolster their roster and address key areas of need. This article dives deep into the Packers’ 2024 draft selections, analyzing the players they chose, the rationale behind their picks, and the potential impact on the team’s future.
Setting the Stage: Packers’ Needs and Draft Strategy
Before examining the specific picks, it’s crucial to understand the Packers’ needs heading into the draft. The team aimed to strengthen their offensive line, add depth to their defense, and provide more weapons for their young quarterback. Consequently, they approached the draft with a strategic mindset, balancing immediate needs with long-term development. Moreover, the Packers’ front office demonstrated a willingness to be aggressive, potentially trading up or down to secure their desired players. Therefore, fans needed to prepare for various scenarios as the draft unfolded.
The Green Bay Packers, a team with a storied history and passionate fan base, approached the 2024 NFL Draft with strategic intent, aiming to bolster their roster and address key positional needs. This article delves into each of their draft selections, examining the rationale behind each pick, the players’ collegiate performances, and their potential impact on the Packers’ future. Additionally, we’ll explore the performance of these rookies during the 2024 NFL season, providing insights into their contributions and areas for growth.
First Round: Jordan Morgan, Offensive Tackle, Arizona
With the 25th overall pick, the Packers selected Jordan Morgan, an offensive tackle from the University of Arizona. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 310 pounds, Morgan showcased exceptional athleticism and versatility during his collegiate career. His ability to protect the quarterback’s blind side and open up running lanes made him a valuable asset for the Wildcats.
Morgan’s selection aimed to address the Packers’ need for depth and youth on the offensive line, especially with the departure of veteran tackle David Bakhtiari. The organization envisioned Morgan as a cornerstone for their offensive front, providing stability and protection for quarterback Jordan Love.
Second Round: Edgerrin Cooper, Linebacker, Texas A&M
In the second round, with the 45th overall pick acquired from the New Orleans Saints, the Packers drafted Edgerrin Cooper, a linebacker from Texas A&M. Cooper’s collegiate career was marked by his sideline-to-sideline speed, instinctual play, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
The Packers sought to enhance their defensive versatility and pass-rushing capabilities with Cooper’s addition. His knack for reading plays and making timely tackles positioned him as a potential leader for Green Bay’s defense.
Second Round: Javon Bullard, Safety, Georgia
Later in the second round, with the 58th overall pick, the Packers selected Javon Bullard, a safety from the University of Georgia. Bullard played a pivotal role in Georgia’s back-to-back national championships, earning Defensive MVP honors in the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
Bullard’s aggressive playing style, combined with his ability to read quarterbacks and make crucial interceptions, made him an attractive prospect for the Packers. His addition aimed to strengthen Green Bay’s secondary and provide a playmaking presence in the defensive backfield.
Third Round: MarShawn Lloyd, Running Back, USC
With the 88th overall pick in the third round, the Packers chose MarShawn Lloyd, a running back from the University of Southern California. Lloyd’s collegiate tenure was highlighted by his explosive speed, agility, and ability to break tackles, making him a dynamic threat both as a runner and receiver.
The selection of Lloyd aimed to complement the Packers’ existing backfield, providing a change-of-pace option and depth following the departure of veteran running back Aaron Jones.
Third Round: Ty’Ron Hopper, Linebacker, Missouri
At the 91st overall pick, acquired from the Buffalo Bills, the Packers selected Ty’Ron Hopper, a linebacker from the University of Missouri. Hopper’s collegiate career was characterized by his versatility, strong tackling skills, and ability to cover tight ends and running backs in pass coverage.
Hopper’s addition aimed to bolster the Packers’ linebacker corps, providing depth and flexibility in various defensive schemes.
Fourth Round: Evan Williams, Safety, Oregon
In the fourth round, with the 111th overall pick acquired from the New York Jets, the Packers drafted Evan Williams, a safety from the University of Oregon. Williams was known for his leadership on the field, ball-hawking abilities, and physicality in run support.
Williams’ selection sought to add depth to the Packers’ secondary and create competition for starting roles, enhancing the overall performance of the defensive backfield.
Fifth Round: Jacob Monk, Center, Duke
With the 163rd overall pick in the fifth round, acquired from the Buffalo Bills, the Packers selected Jacob Monk, a center from Duke University. Monk’s intelligence, leadership, and consistency in snapping and blocking assignments made him a reliable presence on the Blue Devils’ offensive line.
Monk’s addition aimed to provide depth at the center position and potentially develop into a future starter, ensuring stability in the Packers’ offensive line.
Fifth Round: Kitan Oladapo, Safety, Oregon State
At the 169th overall pick, a compensatory selection, the Packers chose Kitan Oladapo, a safety from Oregon State University. Oladapo’s collegiate career was marked by his versatility, playing both safety positions and contributing significantly on special teams.
Oladapo’s selection aimed to enhance the Packers’ special teams unit and provide depth in the secondary, with the potential to develop into a rotational defensive player.
Sixth Round: Travis Glover, Offensive Tackle, Georgia State
In the sixth round, with the 202nd overall pick, the Packers drafted Travis Glover, an offensive tackle from Georgia State University. Glover’s size, strength, and experience in a run-heavy offense made him an intriguing late-round prospect.
Glover’s addition sought to provide depth at the tackle position and offer developmental potential for the Packers’ offensive line.
Seventh Round: Michael Pratt, Quarterback, Tulane
With the 245th overall pick in the seventh round, the Packers selected Michael Pratt, a quarterback from Tulane University. Pratt’s collegiate career showcased his resilience, leadership, and ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the move.
Pratt’s selection aimed to provide depth at the quarterback position and create competition for backup roles, with the potential to develop under the Packers’ coaching staff.
Seventh Round: Kalen King, Cornerback, Penn State
At the 255th overall pick, a compensatory selection, the Packers chose Kalen King, a cornerback from Penn State University. King’s collegiate tenure was highlighted by his ball skills, agility, and effectiveness in man-to-man coverage.
King’s addition sought to bolster the Packers’ cornerback depth and contribute on special teams, with the potential to develop into a reliable defensive back.
Performance of the 2024 Draft Class
The 2024 season presented a mixed bag of performances from the Packers’ rookie class. Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper emerged as a standout, showcasing his defensive prowess and earning consideration for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. His ability to read offenses and make impactful plays positioned him as a key contributor to Green Bay’s defense.
Safety Javon Bullard also made significant contributions, starting consistently and demonstrating versatility by playing both safety and slot corner positions. His aggressive playing style and ability to force turnovers added a dynamic element to the Packers’ secondary.
However, not all rookies had immediate impacts. Offensive tackle Jordan Morgan’s season was limited due to injuries, restricting his ability to contribute consistently. Running back MarShawn Lloyd also faced challenges, participating in only one game due to injuries, hindering his opportunity to showcase his talents.
Safety Evan Williams displayed potential despite injuries and growing pains, making impactful plays such as a forced fumble and a game-clinching interception. His development throughout the season indicated promise for future contributions.
The Packers hope for more production from these rookies in the upcoming 2025 season, aiming to leverage their potential as integral parts of the team’s success
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Green Bay Packers’ 2024 Draft Picks
Q1: What was the rationale behind selecting Jordan Morgan in the first round?
The Packers selected Jordan Morgan to strengthen their offensive line and provide long-term stability at the tackle position. With veteran David Bakhtiari departing, the team needed a young, athletic tackle to protect quarterback Jordan Love. Morgan’s versatility, footwork, and pass-protection skills made him an ideal choice to help secure the offensive front.
Q2: Which rookie had the biggest impact in the 2024 season?
Napoli Edgerrin Cooper, the linebacker from Texas A&M, emerged as the most impactful rookie for the Packers. His ability to read plays, make tackles, and contribute to pass defense made him a crucial part of Green Bay’s defensive unit. He was even considered for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors due to his consistent performances.
Q3: Why did the Packers draft multiple safeties?
Fresh Green Bay selected multiple safeties—Javon Bullard, Evan Williams, and Kitan Oladapo—to address depth issues in their secondary. The team Packers’ 2024 Draft needed young, aggressive defensive backs to improve their pass coverage and run support.
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