The Green Bay Packers remain one of the NFL teams with the most exciting young players. Coming out of the 2024 Draft, the team had several promising rookies hoping to continue the trend of burgeoning talent. Despite a first round playoff exit, the Packers still have a lot to look forward to. ESPN’s Aaron Schatz recently ranked the top rookie classes in the league this past year, and the Packers came in at #17. Although the full article is behind the ESPN+ paywall, here is a short breakdown of the Packers section.
Most of the Green Bay Packers’ Rookie Production was On Defense
Green Bay had several standout rookies of 2024, all of which were on defense. Firstly, safety Javon Bullard, drafted in the second round out of Georgia, had an immense season. Bullard made 90 combined tackles and was on the field for 72% of the Packers’ snaps.
The Pack had another strong season from a young safety. Evan Williams was taken in the fourth round out of Oregon and also became a contributor. Williams had 49 combined tackles and a highlight interception against the Indianapolis Colts in September. Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander compared Williams to former Packers safety Micah Hyde.
#Packers rookie Evan Williams has not let go of his game-winning interception ball. Joked that it’s “his baby” and will be “cuddling with it all night.” pic.twitter.com/85EVydMqzg
— Lauren Helmbrecht (@lmhelmbrecht) September 15, 2024
Lastly, Edgerrin Cooper was all over the field in 2024. The rookie second-round linebacker out of Texas A&M became an impact player by the end of the season. One of his best games of the season was in primetime against the Seattle Seahawks, where he had 7 tackles, a sack, and an interception. He totaled 87 total tackles and 3.5 sacks on the year.
Both Cooper and Williams made Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Defensive Team. 2024 saw a Packers resurgence on defense at all three levels. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley had the defense playing much more aggressively that in prior years, and this was rewarded by a rise to 5th overall in yards allowed per game. These rookies will be important parts of the Packers defense moving forward.
Green Bay Packers Offensive Rookies Were Plagued By Injuries
Green Bay’s first round pick from the 2024 Draft did not have much of a chance to help out the team. At 25th overall, former Arizona Wildcat OT Jordan Morgan was supposed to grow into a starting role. However, he was limited to just six games all year due to injuries. Originally drafted as a tackle, Morgan did show positive signs during his time at right guard, but it is still tough to evaluate him given how little he was able to be available.
Third round running back MarShawn Lloyd had an even worse time of it health-wise. An early ankle injury hampered his start, and the young back out of USC eventually found himself on injured reserve due to appendicitis that began in November. Lloyd only had 7 total touches for 18 scrimmage yards during the year.
Injuries along the offensive line had a big part to play in the Green Bay Packers’ season-ending loss in Philadelphia. Morgan will have every opportunity to become a full-time starter in 2025. While his versatility was something General Manager Brian Gutekunst raved about after draft night, Morgan’s home might still be at right guard.
“Really excited… versatile OL like we like… really athletic, could probably play 4 positions for us— our kind of guy.”
– #Packers GM Brian Gutekunst on 1st rounder Jordan Morgan pic.twitter.com/oHvBjNITtK
— Hogg (@HoggNFL) April 26, 2024
Final Thoughts
The Philadelphia Eagles, who ended Green Bay’s season, had the #12 class in ESPN’s list. Much of their production was made up by rookie defensive backs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Both had strong performances against Green Bay two weeks ago. The Los Angeles Rams, who faced the Eagles last weekend, came in at #1.
Overall, the Green Bay Packers rookie class had a solid year, and plenty of optimism exists about their sophomore campaigns. With better health and some more consistency, the 2024 class can help build the next Packers championship team.
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