Monday, December 9, 2024

Packers, meeting their needs

Posted

Williams
Williams
Green Bay Packers photos

Results of the 2024 NFL Draft

By Tori Wittenbrock

Associate Sports Editor

GREEN BAY – After wrapping up the 2023-24 season in the NFL Divisional Round of the playoffs, the Green Bay Packers had a pretty good idea of what their needs would be for the 2024 NFL Draft, taking place in Detroit, Mi., on April 25-27.

First round pick

The Packers utilized their first round selection at pick 25 to sign offensive lineman Jordan Morgan from the University of Arizona.

Morgan
Morgan

The 6’5” Marana, Ariz. native acquired multiple honors his senior year, including AP First-Team All-PAC-12.

Morgan said, “It’s such an honor. I cannot wait to get out there and protect Jordan (Love).”

After announcing the departure of veteran tackle David Bakhtiari from the franchise, the Packers utilized their first round pick on a player who they believe will be able to fill the role of protecting quarterback Jordan Love as he enters his second season as the starting quarterback.

Everything falls into place

When it came time for the Packers to take the stage in the second round, they elected to trade their round 2, pick 41 to the New Orleans Saints in favor of receiving round 2, pick 45; round 5, pick 168; and round 6, pick 190.

The Packers then utilized their round 2 pick to select Texas A&M Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper.

Cooper’s achievements his senior season include All-SEC First Team and Walter Camp All-America First Team.

This pick comes after the off season announcement of the notable departure of linebacker De’Vondre Campbell from the Packers franchise.

The Packers then kept the second round in the SEC, utilizing pick 58 to scoop up Georgia Safety Javon Bullard who racked up a career high 10 tackles against Auburn in 2023 and had two interceptions against TCU.

Down the list

In round 3, the Packers used pick 88 to select USC running back Marshawn Lloyd to pair with veteran AJ Dillon and Josh Jacobs, acquired in the offseason to replace the loss of Aaron Jones.

Lloyd was more than happy to express the grit and power he will bring to the Packers offense.

Lloyd
Lloyd

“I’m the best running back in the Draft, for sure, and I think Green Bay got the best running back in the Draft,” said Lloyd.

Pick 91 was used to scoop up another dominant SEC linebacker, Ty’ron Hopper from Missouri. Hopper was a 2023 finalist for the Dick Butkus award.

In another effective trade for the Packers, the Jets agreed to trade their round 4, pick 111 to the Packers to acquire pick 126 and round 6, pick 190.

With this bump on the leaderboard, the Packers selected Oregon safety Evan Williams.

Williams transferred to Oregon from Fresno State for his senior season and was able to collect honors such as Coaches All-PAC-12 second team.

Again, the Packers elected to trade up, focusing on quality over quantity in their selections, giving round 5, pick 168 and round 6, pick 219 to the Buffalo Bills in order to acquire round 5, pick 163, which they used to again secure their protection for Love with Duke offensive lineman, Jacob Monk.

Monk said that the minute he was drafted to Green Bay, he knew he would thrive.

“I just saw my phone ring, saw it was Green Bay, and the biggest smile let out my face. I’m home,” said Monk.

Wrapping it up

Heading into round 5, the Packers used pick 169 overall to select Kitan Oladapo, a safety from Oregon State.

Using their only round 6 pick at 202 overall, Green Bay is looking to welcome another offensive lineman in Travis Glover from Georgia State.

The Packers then used their final two picks of the 2024 Draft — round 7, picks 245 and 255 — to secure quarterback Michael Pratt from Tulane University and cornerback Kalen King from Penn State.

Green Bay, Green Bay Packers, sports

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here