Packers Draft: Rounds 2-3 Review

 

New Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper

Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft are in now the history books. After trading the number 41 pick (a.k.a. the Aaron Rodgers pick) to the New Orleans Saints, the Packers moved down only four spots and picked up a sixth rounder (pick #190) in the process.

In total, the Packers selected four prospects in rounds 2 and 3 of this year's draft, and that's after taking LT Jordan Morgan in round 1. Green Bay still has 8 picks left to use tomorrow.  

Without any further ado, let's get ready to meet the newest members of the Green Bay Packers. 

Round 2 

Pick #45: Edgerrin Cooper, LB Texas A&M, 6'2" 230 pounds

Future best linebacker in the NFL?

Edgerrin Cooper was the consensus top linebacker in this year's NFL draft. Cooper was an instant star at Texas A&M where he was an All-American in his first year as a starter. The Packers were rumored to be so enamored with the top-rated Texas A&M prospect that they considered making him a surprise pick in round one, but instead were able to take the dominant linebacker with their first pick in the second round. 

The long-limbed Cooper is a prototypical athletic middle linebacker with high intelligence and high athleticism to add. The 230 pounder is deceptively strong, excelling at shedding blocks and taking on ball carriers head-on. In his time at Texas A&M, he became known for rarely ever missing tackles and always taking correct angles to take down ball carriers with ferocity. 

When drafted by the Packers with the 45th pick, the NFL Network crew instantly praised the pick calling Cooper a future perennial All-Pro and possible best linebacker in the NFL. Cooper compares to ultra-athletic Packer Quay Walker, whom he will play alongside in Green Bay. The ultimate draft guru Mel Kiper has high praise for Cooper, "This kid does nothing but make plays." 

Dream realized.#GoPackGo 🤝 #GigEm pic.twitter.com/bSai9vrZQo

— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) April 27, 2024

Pick #58: Javon Bullard, Safety, Georgia, 5'10" 198 lbs

Georgia Bulldog Javon Bullard is coming to Green Bay

Two-time National Champion Javon Bullard brings his championship pedigree to Green Bay, where he will start alongside free agent acquisition Xavier McKinney. 

Bullard is a playmaker, making some of the key plays on Georgia's two-national title runs in 2021 and 2022. After recording two game altering interceptions, Bullard was named Defensive MVP in the 2022 National Championship game vs TCU. In 2023, Bullard did not allow a touchdown or a catch over 15 yards. 

High motor player with the toughness to take on blocks. Excels in blowing up runs with absolutely no drop off in coverage where he is an elite level playmaker. High intelligence player who can line up anywhere on the field ala former Packer Charles Woodson. Bullard is a game-changer, who excels in big games and high-pressure situations. 

Bullard on being drafted by the Packers already has his eyes set on lofty goals, "We're trying to bring back a Lombardi to Green Bay."

JAVON BULLARD: “I’M A F***ING PACKER!”@BaldwinBravesFB and #UGA alum is heading to GREEN BAY!@13wmaznews pic.twitter.com/CWod2r3nlr

— Connor Hines (@ConnorHines17) April 27, 2024

Round 3

Pick #88 Marshawn Lloyd, RB, USC, 5'9" 210 pounds

New Packers RB Marshawn Lloyd

Lloyd is a quintessential third round back type, who can catch the ball with touch out of the backfield. With explosive speed and good hands, Lloyd looks to add to Green Bay's already dangerous passing game, as well as add depth to a backfield that already features veterans Josh Jacobs and A.J. Dillon. 

The USC product has a low center of gravity, which makes him incredibly difficult to tackle. Lloyd is an aggressive runner, and a strong runner, who does not quit on plays. Lloyd is elusive in open space and excels at making defenders miss tackles. He never gives up on runs and has big play potential every time he touches the ball. In 2023, Lloyd rushed for more than 7 yards per carry. 

ESPN's Daniel Jeremiah gave Lloyd high praise, "In my opinion, the Green Bay Packers just got the best RB in the draft." Lloyd responded, "I'm the best running back in the draft, for sure." 

Marshawn Lloyd. Top 3 back in this class #NFLDraft https://t.co/bnQrHfIoWl pic.twitter.com/FoFidgmzl9

— Cory P. (@FF_Guitarist) April 24, 2024

Pick #91: Ty'Ron Hopper, LB Missouri, 6'1" 231 pounds

Green Bay Packers newest linebacker Ty'Ron Hopper

Former Florida starting linebacker Ty'Ron Hopper brings much-needed versatility to coordinator Jeff Hafley's new defensive scheme. Hopper can play either inside or outside linebacker, as well as safety.  

The Butkus Award finalist is an excellent tackler, who rarely misses. Hopper has great speed and can catch most runners in open field pursuit. His speed and tackling ability make him an ideal special teams player at the NFL level, but won't be limited exclusively to a special team role. Hopper is one of the top cover linebackers in this year's draft class. A playmaker with a real nose for the football, he has only ever allowed one touchdown in coverage throughout the entirety of his collegiate career. 

A ballhawk in Ty'Ron Hopper. Comes in with 91st pick. pic.twitter.com/zVkKqmVpGO

— Lily Zhao (@LilySZhao) April 27, 2024

****************READ: The Pick Is In - Packers Select Jordan Morgan********************