Hot Takes, Predictions for Packers Rookies After 2024 NFL Draft
Few teams consistently rely on the draft to build their roster like the Green Bay Packers. After making 13 selections in the 2023 version, they took 11 players in the 2024 NFL draft.
They made a bit of a surprising selection they first time they were on the clock. Jordan Morgan became the first non-quarterback offensive first-round pick since Derek Sherrod in 2011.
Coincidentally, the Packers were trying to do the same thing when they took Sherrod more than a decade ago: Find a solution at left tackle.
The Packers then turned their attention to the defensive side of the ball where they spent two second-round picks on Edgerrin Cooper and Javon Bullard. The Packers have been adept at re-stocking their defensive depth chart through the draft and the tandem will be expected to contribute sooner than later.
They wrapped up Day 2 with their first investment in an offensive skill player in MarShawn Lloyd and another linebacker in Ty'Ron Hopper.
They still had six picks on the draft's third day and potentially found two sleepers in safety Kitan Oladapo and cornerback Kalen King.
It's another class with the potential to make a massive impact in the coming years. Here's a look at it through the lens of three hot takes and predictions.
Jordan Morgan Will Not Be the Left Tackle of the Future
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Jordan Morgan was a surprise selection at No. 25 for multiple reasons. For one, he was a slight reach. He came in at No. 39 on our final big board and No. 35 on the consensus big board that draft analyst Arif Hasan put together.
The other, is that it's not unanimous that Morgan is even a left tackle at the next level.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst seems to think it's possible. Left tackle is the most immediate need on the offensive line and he remarked that the Arizona alum has "left tackle feet" after the draft.
He also noted that he has the power and quickness to work on the inside and believes Morgan could play four positions on the line.
The ideal scenario would see him beat out Rasheed Walker for the left tackle position and become their premier pass protector.
That doesn't seem likely, though. Morgan's 32⅞" arms are ninth percentile among offensive tackles. B/R's Brandon Thorn noted some weaknesses in his game that are going to make life on the outside difficult.
"His questionable range and middling redirect skills will be difficult to overcome on an island against NFL edge-rushers," Thorn noted while making the argument that Morgan has the tools to make a "smooth transition indie to guard".
Ultimately, that's where he'll likely wind up for the Packers.
MarShawn Lloyd Will Overtake AJ Dillon as RB2
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This year's class of running backs was largely panned by analysts and the draft results reflected the sentiment. There were only four backs taken in the top 100 picks.
MarShawn Lloyd was one of them. The Packers took the USC back with the 25th pick in the third round. At 5'8", 220 pounds, Lloyd brings a compact build with the strength to run through arm tackles, but the home run speed with a 4.46 40 to break off long gains.
That explosiveness and collection of tools could be all Lloyd needs to carve out a role in the Packers offense as a rookie. The team signed Josh Jacobs after moving on from Aaron Jones this offseason, but the battle to be the team's second rushing option will be intriguing.
The Packers brought back AJ Dillon on a one-year, $1.3 million contract. Essentially, there's no financial reason to ensure that he has a major role.
Dillon's production has dipped in each of his last three seasons since his best year came in 2021 with over 1,100 total yards.
In 2023, he averaged just 3.4 yards per carry with 836 total yards.
If the Packers coaching staff was really impressed with what they saw, he would have been a higher priority re-signing in free agency. Instead, they waited a while before giving him a near-minimum contract.
That says something. The fact that the Packers used a top 100 pick on another back which speaks even louder.
Kitan Oladapo and Kalen King Will Be Day 3 Steals
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The Packers came into the draft with needs in the secondary. Their long-term cornerback picture has questions and they needed another safety to play alongside Xavier McKinney.
Javon Bullard is the highlight of the draft haul from that perspective. He was the 46th-ranked player on our big board and the sixth-highest-graded safety.
However, fifth-round pick Kitan Oladapo and seventh-round pick Kalen King shouldn't be discounted from fitting into the long-term picture as well.
B/R scout Cory Giddings was especially high on Oladapo. He was actually ranked higher than Bullard at 35th overall and third among safeties. His ability to come up and aggressively play run alleys gave him the superlative for best run-stopper in the safety class.
King was considered a top 50 player on consensus big boards as recently as February. He was a highly productive corner at Penn State in 2022, but had a rough 2023 campaign and underwhelming athletic testing.
Giddings was among those who dropped him down his board, but still acknowledged his potential.
"After the explosive numbers he put up during the 2022 season, King was perceived as one of the top cornerbacks in this year's draft. Although he's still among the better part of the cornerback group, his stock has leveled out a bit to the Day 2 range. He has the potential to be an NFL starter a few years into his career."
Now that King is a seventh-rounder there are few expectations outside of simply making the roster. He'll exceed those.
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