Favorite picks in Packers 2024 draft class

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 18: Javon Bullard #22 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates stopping a Tennessee Volunteers touchdown attempt in the fourth quarter at Neyland Stadium on November 18, 2023 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

The need at safety was massive, and Bullard might be the perfect fit in a rebuilt secondary. The Packers telegraphed this pick throughout the process; they made it clear an interchangeable safety who can play the nickel was the preferred pairing with prized free agent Xavier McKinney. Bullard was excellent as a primary slot corner in 2022 and excellent as a split safety in 2023. He can run. He can hit. He can cover. He's only 198 pounds but he plays much bigger. He was a big-time player in big games. Bullard is fearless and energetic, and the Packers believe he's going to be a leader while raising the competitiveness of the entire locker room. It won't be surprising if Bullard is starting next to McKinney come Week 1, and it also won't be surprising if he's eventually the starting slot corner. The 21-year-old is everything the Packers needed in the secondary and then some.

Oct 7, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans running back MarShawn Lloyd (0) runs the ball against Arizona Wildcats safety Dalton Johnson (43) during the second half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Even though he will be behind Josh Jacobs on the depth chart, there is plenty to be hopeful for when it comes to Lloyd's future in Green Bay's offense. The third-round pick was an effective back in the SEC before having a breakout season at USC. Lloyd followed that with a head-turning performance at the scouting combine, where he ran a 4.46. His timed speed matches his play speed on film, which also reveals a back who runs behind his pads and can force missed tackles. As a runner, Lloyd can maintain the juice in the run game when Jacobs is off the field, and that's exactly what you want from a rookie. However, don't sleep on his receiving ability either, as he flashed some reliable hands and the tools to create chunk plays as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. Even though he won't be competing for a starting job next season, Lloyd should get to showcase why he can be an exciting weapon at Matt LaFleur's disposal.

Sep 23, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (45) sacks Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) during the first half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

While many were focused on who would fill the traditional roles at linebacker in Jeff Hafley's 4-3 defense, Brian Gutekunst was focused on adding versatility. Cooper was a playmaker around the line of scrimmage for Texas A&M, filling holes in the running game and as a blitzer. He also has the athleticism to operate in space. That skill set isn't all that different from Quay Walker's. And now, having two linebackers who can each wear a variety of hats can cause some confusion for opposing offenses in not knowing who will be lined up where or what responsibilities each player will have. It also opens up the playbook for Hafely from a game-planning perspective.

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 17: Edgerrin Cooper #45 of the Texas A&M Aggies tackles Tyler Van Dyke #9 of the Miami Hurricanes after a pass during the second half of the game at Kyle Field on September 17, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images)

Edgerrin Cooper was my top rated linebacker and a prospect who I thought could be in play for the Packers in the first round. Getting him at 45 is great value. A former track athlete, Cooper has sideline-to-sideline range who looks like he was shot out of a cannon the way he explodes to the ball carrier. He can impact the game in a variety of ways and has the skillset that could help transform Green Bay's defense under Jeff Hafley. He's my early betting favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Dec 2, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) fumbles as he is tackled by Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Javon Bullard (22) but Milroe fell on the ball at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Alabama defeated Georgia 27-24 to claim the SEC Championship. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

Link

From Brugler: "The Packers wanted to overhaul their safety position this offseason. They did that by adding Xavier McKinney in free agency and Bullard in the draft. With his ability to rapidly read routes and drive on the football, Bullock can play a nickel role or drop and handle coverage in space. The Georgia coaches raved about his competitive confidence and leadership personality."

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 08: Edgerrin Cooper #45 of the Texas A&M Aggies reacts after recovering a fumble by Jalen Milroe #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 08, 2022 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Link

From Risdon: "I'm not sure any team had a better first two rounds in the draft than the Packers. Cooper edges out Green Bay's other two picks in that range because the Packers lacked a reliable off-ball attack LB, which is something new DC Jeff Hafley can definitely work with. I'm a big fan of Jordan Morgan in the late first, too."

Sep 11, 2021; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Javon Bullard (22) in action against the UAB Blazers at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Link

From Sikkema: "Bullard was one of my favorite players in the class, so I had a feeling I would like wherever he ended up. But in Green Bay, he can maximize his versatility. Jaire Alexander is a stud cornerback who can really lock down receivers in the slot, but now so can Bullard. Getting Bullard in the mix as a slot defender can free up Alexander to shadow the opposing team's best receiver, depending on what the matchup is that week."

Oct 1, 2022; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Jo'quavious Marks (7) runs the ball while defended by Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (45) during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Link

From Miller: "The modern NFL requires playmakers at linebacker who can run down quarterbacks, use length to take away passing lanes and stack up against the run. I saw Cooper do all of that last season at Texas A&M. He's a true three-down threat to offenses and should be playing next to Quay Walker in the starting lineup in Week 1."

Link

From Reuter: "Bullard's all-around game makes him a great fit next to Xavier McKinney in the Packers' new defense under Jeff Hafley. His open-field tackling, recognition skills and coverage ability make him a playmaker at a position that often underappreciated until offenses take advantage of below-average performances."

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - OCTOBER 14: MarShawn Lloyd #0 of the USC Trojans breaks a tackle from Jaden Mickey #7 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on October 14, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Link

From Trapasso: "Lloyd is the absolute perfect type of runner to be deployed in Matt LaFleur's offense. Compact, thick-lower half, one cut burner to either stay on his intended course on the frontside of stretch plays or plant his foot in the ground one time to hit the cutback lane and crank the acceleration throttle. This is not just a 5-9, 220-pound rocket with 4.46 speed. He's quite elusive in space, too. I know Josh Jacobs is there in Green Bay now, but Lloyd is a better scheme fit for this offense."

Join in on Twitter/X!

Who was your favorite pick from the Packers 2024 draft class?

— The Packers Wire (@ThePackersWire) May 1, 2024

Read all the best Packers coverage at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Packers Wire.