The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp’s 2024 Football Preview book. In addition to Warren’s deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps as well as draft class analysis from Ryan McCrystal. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2024 Football Preview.
With 2024 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to understand how 2024 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.
Let’s look at the Green Bay Packers, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
Who are the Green Bay Packers rookies?
- Jordan Morgan — OT — Round 1
- Edgerrin Cooper — LB — Round 2
- Javon Bullard — S — Round 2
- MarShawn Lloyd — RB — Round 3
- Ty’Ron Hopper — LB — Round 3
- Evan Williams — S — Round 4
- Jacob Monk — C — Round 5
- Kitan Oladapo — S — Round 5
- Travis Glover — OT — Round 6
- Michael Pratt — QB — Round 7
- Kalen King — CB — Round 7
Green Bay Packers Draft Class Grade:
The Green Bay Packers received a B draft grade from Sharp Football.
Which Packers Rookies Will Make An Impact?
Green Bay gambled on Jordan Morgan (first round), a lineman who lacks ideal length to play tackle but also falls short of the prototypical power of an interior lineman. It was a risky selection due to his lack of an ideal position and the fact he missed time due to injury in three of the last four years including a torn ACL.
Morgan is going to start out at left tackle, where he will compete with the incumbent Rasheed Walker. If Morgan is unable to win that job, there’s a chance he slides inside and battles Sean Rhyan at right guard.
Edgerrin Cooper (second round) has the easiest path to the field in this rookie class. Cooper can do it all at linebacker but stands out for his production on the blitz. Last year at Texas A&M, Cooper blitzed on 25% of his snaps against the pass, generating a 35% pressure rate on those plays. Green Bay blitzed at the league’s sixth-highest rate last year but ranked 17th in pressure rate generated on blitz, so it’s pretty easy to see what they loved about Cooper.
Javon Bullard (second round) is likely to step into the starting job vacated by Darnell Savage in the deep secondary. The Packers lined up in single-high coverage formations 65% of the time outside the red zone, so having a free safety with range and ball-hawk skills is critical and those needs pair perfectly with Bullard’s strengths.
Bullard will be joined at safety by Evan Williams (fourth round) and Kitan Oladapo (fifth round). With Bullard and Xavier McKinney each under contract for four years, however, it’s tough to see either Williams or Oladapo getting on the field much.
The selection of MarShawn Lloyd (third round) came as a surprise after Green Bay inked Josh Jacobs to a four-year deal. AJ Dillon is also still in Green Bay, in the final year of his contract, so Lloyd may not have much of a role in 2024. The Packers have always used Dillon more on early downs and late in games when playing with the lead. Lloyd is probably a better all-around player, and certainly more explosive, but he’s not likely to take those types of snaps away from Dillon.
The addition of Ty’Ron Hopper (third round) likely signals a shift in defensive alignments under new coordinator Jeff Hafley. Drafting two off-ball linebackers on Day 2 is certainly an odd strategy, but we’ll give Green Bay the benefit of the doubt. If a formation shift is coming, then it could be justified to get the right personnel on the roster.
Jacob Monk (fifth round) has starting experience at tackle, guard, and center, making him the perfect Day 3 offensive lineman. That versatility virtually guarantees him a spot on the roster. Monk’s best position is probably center, and Josh Myers is entering the final year of his contract.
Travis Glover (sixth round) is a high-ceiling/low-floor prospect who was well worth the risk this late in the draft. At 6-foot-6 with arms just under 35 inches, Glover has size which could potentially be developed. However, Glover already has 57 starts under his belt at Georgia State and was not nearly as dominant as you’d expect given his experience and level of competition.
The Packers only had two quarterbacks on the roster, so the addition of Michael Pratt (seventh round) is understandable. But having Pratt and Sean Clifford as Jordan Love’s backups seems like a less-than-ideal plan.
Kalen King (seventh round) has as much upside as any prospect selected in the final round. Based on route-adjusted data, he allowed a catch rate 42% below expected in 2022, but his production fell off a cliff in 2023. King also got his hands on the ball just once in 2023 after making 23 ball-hawk plays the previous season.
The depth of this class sets a high floor for its production. However, a first-round pick without a clear position, two off-ball linebackers on Day 2, and three safeties in total is a strange construction for a draft class. Green Bay has always approached the draft in a unique way, and this year was no different.
This analysis continues in the 2024 Football Preview
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