Packers 2024 NFL Draft: Day 2 Analysis
By GregMeinholz
Round 2 (45): Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
Measurables/Combine:
6'2, 230 lbs, 4.51 40-time / 34.5" vert / 9' 10" broad jump / 10-yard split of 1.54 seconds
Career Notes:
Edgerrin Cooper was a two-year starter at linebacker for the Texas A&M Aggies. During his freshman year with the Aggies, he played in all 10 games as a reserve/special teamer where he registered 2 tackles before getting an upgrade the next year in 2021 when he played in 12 games with one start. In that 2021 season, Cooper registered 58 tackles, 5.5 TFL, shared a sack, recorded an interception, and one pass breakup. In his Junior year, he played in 11 games with eight starts where he improved to 61 tackles, 8 TFL, an INT, 5 PBUs, and a forced fumble. He was already looking like a decent prospect for the NFL until he completely burst onto the scene his Senior season where he earned first-team Associated Press All-American status and first-team All-SEC honors. This was after he led the team with 84 tackles, 17 TFL, 8 sacks, 2 FF's, and 2 PBU's after starting 12 games.
Scouting Reports:
Cooper has a lot of intensity and bursts to the ball carrier. He loves the physical aspect of the game and can make the big hits you like to see from your big guys in the middle of the defense. He possesses top-end speed to run sideline-to-sideline hunting down the ball and is forceful when he gets there. He can sniff out screens quickly as well as rope down mobile Quarterbacks. Cooper is also a good blitzer, and he can drop back in zone coverage making a few plays here and there to help out his secondary.
Some of the knocks on Edgerrin Cooper though, are inconsistencies with play diagnosis. As previously said he can sniff out screens and QB runs quickly but other recognitions could use some work. As forceful a striker as Cooper is, he can occasionally be inconsistent with open-field tackles. As a Packer fan who is driven nuts by the lack of open-field tackling, this concerns me a little, but I think it can be taught and erased from the worries.
Other options on the board:
Don't get me started with this one. Cooper DeJean was on the board as late as the 40th pick. Yes, we possibly could have traded up 2-3 picks to get him. But some need to remember, that it takes two teams to trade. Maybe Brian Gutekunst didn't like the cost it may have come with and didn't deem DeJean worth it if he wanted him. The price for one team is rarely the same as the others. This isn't Madden, people. GMs scratch each other's backs and some help others move up for cheaper than others and so on. So DeJean isn't a Packer, well then I guess we'll have to throw the ball over his head in Week 1 in Brazil vs the Eagles and make him wish he was.
As far as players that were there to pick, I had thought DTs Kris Jenkins, Maason Smith, or Michael Hall Jr. may have been good fits on the defensive line. But I might agree with Brian Gutekunst that our D-line is pretty stout as it stands right now, at least enough not to warrant a day 2 investment. I was also high on Safety Tyler Nubin's potential who went two picks later, but I knew I was probably kidding myself considering his RAS score.
Why they went with Cooper:
As the Packers transition to a more 4-3 base scheme, they need more traditional off-ball linebackers and Edgerrin Cooper fits this mold. His skillset also matches Quay Walker quite well. The two together could wreck defenses and that is surely the hope. Walker has already called Cooper his partner in crime so it will be great to see if the two mesh well and become an outstanding linebacker duo. Linebackers coach Anthony Campanile is a very intense coach who likes to bring that dawg out of his linebackers. With Cooper being an intense player, Campanile has to be drooling over getting his hands on him.
Round 2 (58): Javon Bullard, S, Georgia
Measurables/Combine:
5'10 1/2", 198 lbs, 4.47 40-time / 10-yard split of 1.51 seconds
Career Notes:
Javon Bullard played in 14 games in 2021 as a reserve registering 12 tackles as a teammate of Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt on the National Champion Bulldogs. In 2022, Bullard's role increased as he played in 15 games with 10 starts where he registered 46 tackles, 7 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 2 INTs, and 3 PBUs. Bullard was also a star in the 2022 National Championship where he made two crucial INTs helping his team to another championship victory. In 2023 Bullard started 12 games registering 56 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 INTs, and 5 PBUs in a year he missed two games mid-season due to an ankle injury.
Scouting Reports:
Bullard possesses freaky speed as he was one of the speed leaders at the Senior Bowl tracking at over 20 mph. He is also effective in blitzing using a great initial burst to get after the QB when sent in. Bullard is a good coverage safety in man-to-man situations and can also be physical with receivers at the start of their routes. He does a great job of shadowing receivers in zone situations taking away the QB's option. Also a good tackler, Bullard does a great job following through on every hit.
One knock against Bullard is though he can be speedy, the quick acceleration is lacking a bit and can be a liability if he's beaten 1x1.
Other options on the board:
Cole Bishop was another Safety the Packers appeared to be high on entering the draft. Bishop was available before being taken 2 picks later by Buffalo.
Why they went with Bullard:
Bullard could start week 1 at Safety alongside Xavier McKinney. Bullard can also double as a slot corner and could take over those duties from Keisean Nixon if needed down the road.
Though some safeties were ranked higher, many thought of Bullard as a top safety in the draft. With the Packers needing to fill a starting spot at safety, it made sense to grab one of the best available.
Round 3 (88): Marshawn Lloyd, RB, USC
Measurables/Combine:
5'9", 220 lbs, 4.46 40-time / 36" vert / 9' 10" broad jump / 10-yard split of 1.56 seconds
Career Notes:
Starting his college career at South Carolina in 2020, Marshawn Lloyd did not play after suffering a torn left ACL during the second day of fall camp. In 2021 he played in 12 games as a reserve logging 64 carries for 228 yards and a touchdown. He also had 3 catches for 44 yards. In 2022, Lloyd led the team with 573 rushing yards on 111 carries with 9 rushing TDs. Played in 9 games with 8 starts that season but missed time due to leg injuries. In 2023 transferred to USC where he earned Honorable Mention All-Pac-12 Conference. He ranked seventh in the FBS with 7.1 yards per carry after going 820 yards and 9 touchdowns on 116 carries. Lloyd also played in 11 games with 6 starts that season and logged 13 catches for 232 yards through the air.
Scouting Reports:
When Lloyd hits the open field he has the jets to break away from defenders to the end-zone. His jump-cut ability allows him to escape defenders quickly and he's able to power his way through tackles. Lloyd also has good hands that will help him translate into Matt LaFleur's offense quickly, making him a dual-threat back.
Some of the negatives for Lloyd are some fumble issues, indecisiveness inside, and needs to improve pass blocking which he already sounds like he's ready to improve that aspect of his game per his interviews.
Other options on the board:
There weren't many notable players that the Packers may have also been looking for when Lloyd was taken. Edge rusher Adisa Isaac may have been a possibility but if we match other running backs, Tennessee back Jaylen Wright was available and the Packers took a pass. The difference between Lloyd to Wright though is the passing game. Lloyd has been able to take that and run while Jaylen Wright wasn't exactly a well-known pass catcher.
Why they went with Lloyd:
Marshawn Lloyd is very similar to Josh Jacobs. All this time I felt like the Packers could go with a more agile or speedier running back in the draft, but instead, they went with essentially a younger version of the running back they signed in free agency. His burst and upfield cuts will compliment Jacobs when a rest is needed and both backs figure to be very involved in the passing game. Don't be surprised to see Marshawn Lloyd line up in the slot or out wide in the passing game. His athleticism allows him to be very effective in the aerial attack.
Round 3 (91): Ty'Ron Hopper, LB, Missouri
Measurables/Combine:
6'2, 231 lbs, 4.68 40-time / 36" vert
Career Notes:
Ty'Ron Hopper started his career in Florida where he red-shirted. He played in 4 games as a reserve and on special teams registering 2 tackles. In 2019 he played in 11 games as a reserve registering 15 tackles, TFL. In 2021 Hopper played in all 13 games with 4 starts where he registered 65 tackles, 10 TFL with 3.5 sacks, 2 PBUs, and FF. In 2022 he transferred to Missouri where he led the team with 14 TFL while he played in 13 games with 12 starts also registering 2.5 sacks, an INT, and 4 PBUs. Then in 2023, he earned second-team All-SEC honors. He was a finalist for the Butkus Award (nation's top LB). Started 10 games (55 tackles, 6 TFL with 3 sacks, 3 PBUs). Missed the end of the season with an ankle injury.
Scouting Reports:
Hopper has the speed to disrupt plays and has above-average explosiveness. He can be disruptive in the pocket as well off the blitz and he possesses the agility to find cutting running backs.
His weaknesses however can be limited field vision and indecisiveness.
Other options on the board:
Another player the Packers were interested in was Payton Wilson. Wilson ended up going to the Cincinnati Bengals seven picks later. Though Wilson is a good prospect I wouldn't doubt his age could have played a factor for the Packers being that he is already 24 years old while Hopper just turned 23.
Why they went with Hopper:
Ty'Ron Hopper in my opinion could be a depth-and-development pick. We don't have many linebackers to choose from so Hopper provides depth for now as I don't see him challenging for a starting position any time soon. Hopper may be relegated to special teams for a year or two, but he does have the upside to possibly be that guy that finally comes around after a year or two and becomes a star at the position.
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Greg Meinholz is a lifelong devoted Packer fan. A contributor to CheeseheadTV as well as PackersTalk. Follow him on Twitter @gmeinholz for Packers commentary, random humor, beer endorsements, and occasional Star Wars and Marvel ramblings.
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Comments (47)
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 27, 2024 at 08:08 am
Thanks, Greg! Very informative!
Looking at today I see several more OLs drafted, a CB, and a QB (I am intrigued by Milton). I even think we could see another LB and a Safety taken for depth. After some reflection, the team is definitely improved after the first two days of the draft.
Yes, rookies can take time to develop and catch up to NFL speed and physicality but here are my thoughts:
I. The whole defense is better after day 1 and day 2 of the draft at every level of the defense. This defense rocks and I cannot wait to see them play once they gel and iron out the new Hafley scheme.
- The safety position is significantly improved having picked up Xavier McKinney and now adding Javon Bullard.
- The linebacker position is better with Edgeron Cooper and Ty'ron Hopper even with Campbell gone.
- The edge rushers even with Engabare injured should see improvement with LVN & Cox and others improvement and drive going into year 2.
- The defensive line should be improved simply from Brooks, Wyatt, and Wooden going into year 2 and year 3.
- Now throw in Jeff Hafley and his new scheme.
2. The offense is better as well though a number of OL are still needed.
- Jordan Morgan will be a true asset to strengthen the line at several positions. Two or three more offensive linemen are still needed.
- Lloyd appears to be a very good running back and will give the Packers a viable option along with Jacobs. Definitely improvement at RB.
A lot of picks coming on day 3 and it should only make this team better. I see the need for OL the biggest need going into day 3 but I also like the idea of the Packers taking the best QB early today. Go Packers!
WD
April 27, 2024 at 10:08 am
I am more than intrigued with Joe Milton as a quarterback. He ran a 4.55 at 245 lbs. 2) He has the strongest arm of all other QBs in the draft. He is expected to go in the fourth. I see no risk at all.
TKWorldWide
April 27, 2024 at 08:17 am
“Though some safeties were ranked higher” but not by the Packers. Remember that.
dobber
April 27, 2024 at 08:27 am
There are still good safeties on the board.
Fully expect the Packers to focus on OL and DB today.
TKWorldWide
April 27, 2024 at 08:29 am
Same here!
HawkPacker
April 27, 2024 at 08:43 am
I agree dobber. They need a safety and at least two IOL as well.
Maybe they can get TJ Tampa at cb? That would be great.
Maybe a surprise pick in the sixth round--that punter from Iowa! He is a field changer. I think our current punter is okay but this would improve the position which is what we want.
Johnblood27
April 27, 2024 at 08:57 am
Hicks all day!!!!!
would love Javon Foster in G&G!
Jackson at CB, then Brown, Hart or Carson.
Oladapo for development, hybrid LB, S.
Bortolino, Limmer, McCormick, Mahogany all would be fits.
...and my sleepers, Trey Taylor, Tory Taylor(P) and Shinko (LS)
dobber
April 27, 2024 at 08:22 am
"Edgerrin Cooper fits this mold. His skillset also matches Quay Walker quite well. The two together could wreck defenses and that is surely the hope."
Methinks an edit is in the offing...
Qoojo
April 27, 2024 at 09:35 am
Well, we have seen defense wreckers play for packers defense.
dobber
April 27, 2024 at 09:40 am
I still haven't recovered from the Ahmad Carroll era...
Qoojo
April 27, 2024 at 11:56 am
Apparently Ahmad Carroll reads the forum
HarryHodag
April 27, 2024 at 08:25 am
At first glance, four really good players and the fifth one might develop. All are likely to be contributors right away.
When I saw the Eagles trade up in front of the Packers I knew what was happening. Either the Eagles suspected, or they already knew, that the Packers were targeting DeJean. The reason I know this is because it was clear the Packers had a deal in place with New Orleans in case CDe was taken before their pick. When the trade was announced just a minute or so after the Eagles selection I knew something was up.
My question is: why not take DeJean at 25? Morgan likely would have been there at 41, and if not him another of the many tackles available this year?
But I can't complain. Bullard was lauded by nearly everyone as was Cooper. Lloyd is the perfect compliment back to Jacobs and Dillon. Three battering ram running backs.
Hopper is more of a developmental player right now but is a perfect pick for special teams.
Anyone who complains about the first five picks is wrong. So far, so good.
Leatherhead
April 27, 2024 at 08:40 am
I think Hopper figures a little more prominently in the mix.
In an average game, teams snap it 60+ times against us. If we play 2.5 LBs per snap, that comes to 150. Over 17 games, plus playoffs.
You obviously want Walker on the field for the most snaps, but even he needs to rest now and then. Figure 55 snaps. Figure McDuffie and Cooper for another 45 each and we're in the ballpark. But these guys do miss games, too, so that #4 guy....Hopper....is going to have to play for us.
"""My question is: why not take DeJean at 25? Morgan likely would have been there at 41, and if not him another of the many tackles available this year?'''''
That is the question. I think that the Packers remembered their prime directive, that nothing was more important than keeping Love protected for the next several years, not even getting a premium defender like DeJean, or McKinstry.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 27, 2024 at 09:48 am
LH,
Bingo!
PhantomII
April 27, 2024 at 10:21 am
We usually lose big games because our 5 OL can't block 4 DL and other teams flood the secondary with 7 players and we in-turn use xtra TE's to block instead of going for a pass making it 6 OL and a QB so 7 offensive players not going out for a pass =7 defensive players covering our 4 WR's. This is our largest hurdle to overcome in the playoffs. The fix is 5 hard nosed mauler type OL...I'm still waiting and was hoping Gute would move to the top of the draft to get ALT or the other enormous OT for the run game. until then, we'll hope the OL improves on their own and our 4-WR's are talented enough to get open against more defenders at a higher clip.
Coldworld
April 27, 2024 at 08:26 am
If we wanted to pick a S who can play deep, in the slot and SS then we got the consensus top pick. Gute and Hafley got what they said they wanted and they got the best out there and 2 extra picks.
Wilson was one we were interested in? Where did you get that from? He fell because of his medical history that seems now to be worse than expected. I think it’s quite unlikely he was even on our board given the news that he has no ACL in one knee in addition to his other injury history, some character issues and a significant need to add mass and strength. He’s 2 inches taller than Hopper and only 6 pounds heavier.
TKWorldWide
April 27, 2024 at 08:30 am
Agreed. Clearly they preferred Hopper over Wilson.
Johnblood27
April 27, 2024 at 08:59 am
I was thinking Gray as our second LB drafted...
He may still get to GB... but doubtful that 3 LB get drafted in the same year.
Leatherhead
April 27, 2024 at 08:29 am
If your assumption is that we really only had two LBs going into the draft (Walker and McDuffie), then we needed two more guys. Cooper and Hopper take care of that. We also needed a safety (although I still think we'll sign a vet FA), and Bullard checks off that box. Lloyd is the guy who will hopefully learn and develop behind Jacobs and Dillon this year, and then be the #2 guy the following year when Dillon leaves.
It's going to be Jacobs and/or Lloyd in the backfield during the Love Window. That's our engine.
My only criticism of Day 2 is that we didn't do more for the offensive line. Jordan Morgan is a great step in the right direction, but right now, we don't have 9 linemen better than Newman. I'm counting 6, maybe 7, or even 8 if Dillard can play. That's before injuries. I do see some guys who we could maybe get on Day 3.
Coldworld
April 27, 2024 at 08:50 am
I’d have loved to get Frazier, but there is still interior talent left as well as some developmental prospects outside. I think we see a versatile CB later too. Maybe Stiggers. As I have said, I’m hearing we are overlooking Rochelle as outside depth. If that’s true then we have 5 perimeter guys already, including Ballentine.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 27, 2024 at 09:58 am
LH,
At the beginning of this thread, I stated the need for more OL as the biggest need (though I do like taking the best developmental QB available early). With 8 picks remaining for the Packers, I would like to see 3 of those picks be offensive linemen which includes both interior OL and another OT. Let's find the best available and ramp up the competition in camp and determine once and for all whether we have anything in Caleb Jones, Luke Tenuta, or Kadeem Telfort. Boy, we need interior OL help especially with Myers's contract coming up after 2024!
TKWorldWide
April 27, 2024 at 08:31 am
I think it’s time to let go of the obsession over a certain DB from Iowa as well.
WestWi_Packfan
April 27, 2024 at 08:56 am
I don't think it was an obsession at all, I think he was the best safety on the board at a position of need and had Charles Woodson type instincts, for some reason Gute didn't see it this way. So be it, we may find out sooner then later whether it was a good choice or not as we play the Eagles in week 1, or it may take awhile.
Coldworld
April 27, 2024 at 09:02 am
How can you say the best safety with a straight face when he’s never played the position? That’s just a mind boggling leap of faith.
Solely looking at the guy we took: Bullard is a former slot who not only is more physical but has played very well over multiple games and snaps in the slot and deep as well as SS. As an athlete there isn’t a massive difference. One is proven the other conjecture.
Let’s just be clear, neither is the athlete that Woodson was. It’s not close. Nor do either have his freakish level of awareness and ability to anticipate. One of the most irritating comments this year is the claim he can play a Woodson-like role. No, he can’t. He’s not close to the athleticism required to ape what Woodson could do when focused and his recognition skills are merely mortal. Woodson was a legitimate shut down perimeter corner. No one is Woodson-like in this draft and very few ever have been. Bullard is pretty close to what DeJean might be with experience.
TKWorldWide
April 27, 2024 at 09:34 am
“Best safety on the board” according to whom?
The fact that Gutey spoke highly of him pre-draft could be just as much subterfuge as sincere praise.
ImaPayne
April 27, 2024 at 10:07 am
If we would have taken him you guys would be wetting your pants in joy. Instead we will go with our two safties with 4.6 speed that Addison and jefferson will be flying buy.
Really a disappointing piss ant draft so far.
TKWorldWide
April 27, 2024 at 12:48 pm
Except that Bullard ran 4.47.
And what goes on in our pants is certainly none of your concern.
HawkPacker
April 27, 2024 at 08:39 am
I love the Marshawn Lloyd pick.
I also love both the Cooper and Bullard selections as well.
When Cooper was picked, they showed the highlights and he seemed fast and a good tackler.
When they showed Hopper's highlights, they were not nearly as impressive as Coopers. Not that high on that pick but since the FO likes him, that is good enough for me.
I really wish we could have added Cooper DeJean.
Coldworld
April 27, 2024 at 09:15 am
Cooper was playing the slot, Hopper an ILB. There’s a very big difference. I don’t think anyone will ever see them as fungible. Bullard on the other hand is what many hope Cooper might be able to become.
RobinsonDavis
April 27, 2024 at 10:07 am
I am intrigued by how they plan to use Hopper. There is much more to be expected than just a special teams player given the reach for him at the end of the 3rd round. To pick him here you have to love his 2022 tape, IMO. Overall, we (in this household) believe the Packers picks were solid.
There are many athletic DBs, and Oline in the back of this draft meeting or exceeding Packer measurables. And I personally believe we will have a Northwestern LB coming to GB as well. Stick to the strength of the draft with DBs, Oline, and WRs providing the depth, and some late round gems may follow. Also, next year's draft will likely be heavy with defensive players, unlike this one. So, keeping this in mind, playing the back end of this draft with athletic developmental players will pay dividends, and allow the Packers to focus on some top-end needs for the next draft. Go Pack!!
WestWi_Packfan
April 27, 2024 at 08:44 am
All in all not a bad draft so far, but the lack of interest Gute had for Cooper DeJean was mind blowing as the word is he had the trade back before the Eagles moved up, so there was never a serious thought to drafting him, instead we get Bullard who wasn't rated as high and a couple of garbage time picks to replace last years picks or get cut? Maybe Gute just didnt think he was as good as almost everyone else had him rated, otherwise this doesn't make sense.
Bitternotsour
April 27, 2024 at 09:13 am
When amateurs rate a guy at 16 and he falls to 40 you have your true assessment of the player. Cooper DeJean, the great white hope is a mid second round talent. Ball don't lie.
justjan
April 27, 2024 at 09:46 am
. Didn't you already post this? We get it You wanted Dejean. Now it's time to get over it.
LeotisHarris
April 27, 2024 at 08:50 am
Occasionally, I enjoy reading the coulda-shoulda-woulda wars of words here in the land of the semi-informed. Most times I scroll past the predictable battles from the usual suspects. I'm sure someone will attempt to stir up some schidt here with a "hot take" that decries the lack of vision and ineptitude of Gute and his minions. Sorry. No drama. This has been a solid draft, and we have another eight picks today.
If you're feeling the need to be outraged, apply ice to your genitals, or head out the the garage, find that 33" Louisville Slugger and give your melon the Carl Yastrzemski treatment. Works for me.
Also, The Outrage Machine by Tobias Rose-Stockwell is a good read.
dobber
April 27, 2024 at 09:28 am
"I enjoy reading the coulda-shoulda-woulda wars of words here in the land of the semi-informed. "
Raises Hand: I live in the land of the semi-informed.
TKWorldWide
April 27, 2024 at 09:44 am
You just made me LOL while I’m picking up my order at Casey’s. I quickly paraphrased Dudley Moore: “Sometimes I read funny things!”
As for “the land of the semi-informed”, I’ve never lived anywhere else!
HankScorpio
April 27, 2024 at 08:53 am
One thing I think I know is that Hafley won't have any excuses about talent after Friday. He's got Clark, Wyatt, Slaton and Brooks inside DL. Outside DL is Gary, Smith & Van Ness. LB group is Walker, Cooper, McDuffie and Hooper. That is one heck of lot of talent in the front 7.
The secondary is not devoid of talent but not as strong. It includes a former All Pro CB that is still within his age window to produce at an All Pro level. Nixon and Valentine were not disasters last year but the CB room could use more. Safety room is already a massive upgrade over 2023. It was so epically bad that more can be done.
I've seen less talent produce at a pretty high rate.
13TimeChamps
April 27, 2024 at 09:04 am
Seems like a really workman like draft so far. The needs going in were Oline, LB, Safety, RB. They went out and got exactly that. No big surprises/trades. If these guys all contribute, the team is better for it. Good job!
Now let's add some quality depth!
PackEyedOptimist
April 27, 2024 at 09:06 am
I'm REALLY hoping there is a good interior offensive lineman left at pick 126.
I'm afraid Christian Jones, Christian Mahogany, Mason McCormick, Beaux Limmer, and Sedrick VanPran-Granger are the only three left that are good enough to challenge this year; everyone else is quite "developmental."
Sadly, I expect all five to go before our pick--I'd be in favor of trading up to get one.
dobber
April 27, 2024 at 09:25 am
Tackles who project to T in the pros are getting few and far between, but there are plenty of possible projects. The issue is, it seems all these guys are 24 years old...how much development is left?
Agree on Christian Jones...might be the guy I like best of those left.
Grable is a guy still learning the position...may grow into a good backup/spot starter
Rouse and Dankwah are the kind of long/tall project they like
Garret Greenfield feels like a small college project they might go for.
A couple T-->IOL options I like later on...
Nathan Thomas, La-Laf
KT Leveston, KSU
Sataoa Laumea, Utah
Donovan Jennings, USF
jannesbjornson
April 27, 2024 at 12:10 pm
Jarrett Kingston to block....
PackfanNY
April 27, 2024 at 09:42 am
I don’t “like” what Gute has done so far, I LOVE what he’s done. We wanted an offensive lineman and we drafted a solid one with significant LT experience in college. Great. I expect we will add more OL depth with the 8 (yes 8) picks remaining. I don’t expect us to use all 8. I think talent will be targeted a trades will be made.
However, Day 2 was heaven. The Cooper pick gives us 2 super athletic LBs. when was the last time this team had that? Then you add Bullard who plays like his hair is on fire. He will also pair nicely with McKinney. Then Gute nailed it by adding a change of pace (compared to Dillon and Jacobs) tough fast back who can also catch the ball. There is your LaFleur gadget end around guy. Yes, they need to work on the fumbling issue so it’s never perfect but man I like where we sit today.
Day 3 becomes MORE PLEASE!
LambeauPlain
April 27, 2024 at 09:46 am
Drafting the first and who many call best LB in the draft, Edge Cooper made me very happy. After DeJean, I wanted the other Cooper on the Pack almost as much. That did not pan out. And probably were not going to get both, so my disappointment was assuaged with Edge. DeJean is now erased from my histories.
Bullard has the tools to play in the box, can play slot. Talent, versatility, a likely starter. Also one of the top S in the class.
Lloyd was a good get. Some call him the most dynamic RB talent in the draft. He will see the field often as a rookie, especially in the pass attack. Built like an Abrams Tank but has quickness and balance and is strong (28 on the bench for a 5'9" guy? Wow!). Ideal for the IOC offense. He could quickly become the key back up to Jacobs as long as he improve pass blocking.
Hopper seems more a project...but Campanile is going to breath fire into him and who knows?
5 picks, 3 likely starters, a key backup, and quality depth for a suddenly well stocked LB room. A good start.
But only 8 more picks today! UDFA action is going to be very quiet in Packerland after today.
ImaPayne
April 27, 2024 at 10:01 am
I know nothing of the picks we made so I have to rely on the analyst to assess them. This am through round 3 and our 4 picks, three of them got graded as C and two of those were head scratcher picks to some as in there were way better people on the board we passed on.
One, Lloyd the running back got an A but like mentioned he had the fumbles in college.
I agree that this team seriously needed line backers with lateral speed to the outside. Like also mentioned I dont understand why we keep those 6 and 7 round picks and not move up one or two slots to get quality defensive backs? They were there for the taking.
I still think it has to do with money. Developmental's come cheap and dont get the big money till way in the future if they pan out, the top talent you have to pay them before the five years or they think about packing their bags for elsewhere.
Right now you got three new guys who wont contribute much to this team and for that matter may not pan out at all, we just dont know. Why does the GM do this to this team? Where are the big named players we could have had?
TKWorldWide
April 27, 2024 at 12:53 pm
Please explain why GB would deliberately bypass better people on their board.
Very odd.
golfpacker1
April 27, 2024 at 10:14 am
What a great 2 day start to the 2024 draft for GB. We made 2 position groups into strengths today, RB and Safety.
We got a Top 10 OL, a Top 2 LB, a Top 5 Safety, and a Top 5 RB. Then we made a hair pulling pick of a LB not rated in most Top 10s.
Oh well, 1 disappointing pick isn't the end of the world, although by picking Mason McCormick or Mahogany would have made OL a position strength. Drafting T J Tampa, Khyree Jackson, or Cam Hart would have made CB a strength. Drafting a LB whose first mentioned strength is special teams, even though he hasn't played anyb in 2 years, does not make us better.
I was hoping for another trade back from #91 to pick up another 4th or 5th because we have big gaps between #91 & #126 & #168, our next 3. Lets get some good depth players, a couple sleeper gems, and maybe trade a 7th for a veteran LB.
ricky
April 27, 2024 at 10:37 am
Cooper looks like he has improved every year in college. This is very encouraging. Bullard comes from a very strong program, and played in the toughest conference in college. This should make his transition to the pro game a bit easier. Lloyd, meanwhile sounds like an Aaron Jones clone. About the same size/weight, is seen as having some problems blocking, but can power through guys and has acceleration and elusiveness to evade tacklers. And he can catch the ball. As of now, I am very happy with the draft picks. But we'll know more when the pads go on, and they face some real competition on the field. Everyone looks promising, but their draft grade is, of course, an "incomplete".