Chicago Bears' NFC North Rivals: Reviewing the Packers' 2024 NFL Draft
Unfortunately, the Packers have done well in this year's draft by filling their needs on defense.
They chose Arizona offensive lineman Jordan Morgan 25th overall, making him the first offensive lineman chosen in the first round by the Packers in 13 years. He was the seventh offensive lineman chosen in this year's draft, which underscores how ridiculously deep the offensive linemen were in this year's draft.
If you want to see proof of concept for Jordan Morgan, all you need to do is watch him against UCLA. You've probably seen the Latu clips already, but he was on one all game long - the best game of his career IMO. I honestly think this game is what moved him into the 1st round. pic.twitter.com/ivvLkivOsp
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) May 1, 2024
He played 98% of the snap as a left tackle in 2023; his shorter arm makes him a candidate for the position of his guard. However, with the departure of former starter David Bakhtiari, it would not be shocking to see him eventually get a shot at left tackle despite his actual length and become another stout player for them because they are the Packers.
In the second-round, they traded down with the New Orleans Saints by moving from the 41st to 45th while receiving 168th and 190th pick, and selected Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper. This pick accommodates their new defensive coordinator, Jeff Hafley, as they transition from 3-4 to 4-3 defense.
watching edgerrin cooper in-depth has been awesome. he initiates contact with so much thunder and he’s so much better at diagnosing everything in front of him than people give him credit for pic.twitter.com/psgS6jmVsa
— zach jacobson (@itszacharyj) May 6, 2024
Edgerrin Cooper.
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) April 29, 2024
That is all. pic.twitter.com/fE7vpg0teg
Some draft experts considered him the top linebacker prospect in a frail linebacker class. Cooper could be a real menace as a rookie, creating problems for NFC North opponents. They also double down by drafting Ty'Ron Hopper from Missouri 91st overall, another SEC linebacker, who was second in the SEC with 16 tackles for a loss although he also missed 18 tackles, third worst in SEC, adding much needed depth to inside linebacker position.
The Packers were not done with their defensive makeover as they used their second-round pick to select Georgia safety Javon Bullard 58th overall. A starter since being a freshman on a loaded Georgia team, he won the CFB National Championship in 2021-22 and excelled in the SEC.
Javon Bullard is the next stud #Packers safety pic.twitter.com/1g3a7rj85w
— The Empire Strikes Pack (@PackersEmpire) April 27, 2024
He is listed at 5'10" and 198 pounds, but do not let his size fool you. He is battle-tested, can play in the slot, and is a stout run defender. With the signing of Xavier McKinney this off-season, they have a new safety that could cause problems around the league. As brilliant as Caleb Williams is, the fans must understand he will make his share of rookie mistakes in 2024. Hopefully, it will not be against the Packers and their safeties.