Second-Round NFL Draft Picks Key for Packers
Fresh off exceeding expectations last season, the Green Bay Packers are hoping some of their NFL Draft picks can increase the team’s chances of a deep playoff run. The Packers are just behind the Lions (+160) in the NFL odds to win the NFC North at +200.
Green Bay’s first selection focused on protecting quarterback Jordan Love as the team added Arizona offensive lineman Jordan Morgan with the No. 25 pick. The Packers then turned to defense with their next two picks, adding Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and safety Javon Bullard. Both were second-round selections.
After snagging USC running back MarShawn Lloyd in the third round, Green Bay turned back to this same pattern, snagging another linebacker followed by a safety. The Packers added Missouri linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper and Oregon safety Evan Williams.
What position were the Packers hoping to address via the 2024 draft? Green Bay drafted three safeties.
Here’s what you need to know about the Packers draft.
Former Texas A&M LB Edgerrin Cooper Could be Starter
There is plenty of intrigue about Edgerrin Cooper’s future in Green Bay. Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema believes the athletic linebacker stands a good chance to be a starter.
“The first linebacker comes off the board. Cooper has length and athleticism and led all linebackers in 2023 in PFF grade (90.8),” Sikkema detailed. “With very few weaknesses in his grading profile, Cooper was the only linebacker in college football to earn 85.0-plus grades in coverage, run defense and pass rush.”
“He’ll need to develop better coverage instincts, but he has the goods to be a starting-caliber linebacker.”
Edgerrin Cooper.
That is all. pic.twitter.com/fE7vpg0teg
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) April 29, 2024
MarShawn Lloyd Joins Crowded Packers Backfield
The Packers beat out other interested teams to land Lloyd to help bolster their backfield. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Cowboys were one of the teams interested in landing Lloyd before the Packers snagged the running back.
Fantasy football owners keep an eye on the draft for potential players to select when the season rolls around. It would not be an NFL season if the Packers were not slated to have a crowded backfield.
“A tough, fearless thrower”@Mpratt_ 🏈@amfam | #PackersDraft pic.twitter.com/06Eebouunt
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) May 1, 2024
Lloyd may not be the best fantasy option given the Packers just signed Josh Jacobs this offseason and also have AJ Dillon. Lloyd posted 116 carries for 820 yards and nine touchdowns last season at USC. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared Lloyd to Kansas City’s Jerick McKinnon.
“Lloyd’s flashes on tape could lead a team to envision a more expansive role for him in its offense, but based on his play, he feels more like a good complementary option with big-play potential,” Zierlein detailed in his pre-draft profile of the running back.
“… Lloyd runs with slightly below-average vision but has the juice to play the role of ‘chunk-play slasher’ and dangerous open-field pass catcher. Lloyd is a low-mileage prospect, and the scope of his role will obviously depend on scheme fit.”
Green Wave to Green Bay: Packers Took Flier on QB Michael Pratt
Green Bay has a long history of drafting quarterbacks, even when the team already has its QB1. No, Jordan Love is not in danger of losing the gig, but the Packers did take a flier on Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt.
A look at what the #Packers get with their rookie QB out of Tulane, Michael Pratt! #Tulane
Video via @Packers pic.twitter.com/bVUOeqRjxE
— Tanner Phifer (@TannerPhiferNFL) May 1, 2024
The newest Green Bay quarterback led Tulane to its best stretch in recent history, including a Cotton Bowl win over USC in 2023. Pratt’s best season with the Green Wave came in 2022, when the quarterback threw for 3,009 yards, 27 touchdowns and five interceptions while completing 63.6% of passes. The signal-caller also added 478 rushing yards and 10 TDs on the ground in 2022.
So, How Did the Packers Do in the Draft?
As for the entirety of the Packers’ draft, the reaction has been mixed. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked the Packers as the No. 21-rated class. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. gave the Packers a solid B.
The Las Vegas odds for Green Bay to make the playoffs are -200. So, the oddsmakers still view this Packers squad as a playoff team. One thing we do know is that Green Bay is on the clock as the city will host the 2025 NFL Draft.
