The Green Bay Packers are doing their homework when it comes to the defense. The completely revamped defensive coaching staff is bringing a new (and much needed) philosophy to the defense.
New defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley produced a strong first impression in his introductory press conference. He emphasized the aggressiveness he wants to employ with the defense as well as the important play at Safety.
He was directly asked about LB Quay Walker and had nothing but great things to say. However, depth at linebacker is currently an issue. After releasing De’Vondre Campbell, inside linebacker is an area of concern. Quay Walker will be the starter and 24-yeara-old Isaiah McDuffie will likely back him up. While McDuffie had a promising 2023 season, the Packers will certainly add to the position.
Today it was reported that the Packers are bringing in a massive linebacker for an official visit.
The Green Bay Packers Host 6’2″ Inside Linebacker From Missouri
Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report highlighted the Packers’ decision to bring Missouri’s linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper:
Missouri LB Ty’Ron Hopper has a 30 visit scheduled with the Green Bay Packers, per league source.
Rangy & athletic ballplayer that lived within the lungs of a loaded Tigers defense in ‘23.
Hopper (6-2, 231) is a Florida transfer. The SEC coaches selected him as an all-conference selection, and he was a finalist for the Butkus Award. He was named a captain by Missouri in 2023.
What Would Ty’Ron Hopper Bring To The Packers?
If Hopper lands with Green Bay, it’ll likely be a day three pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. His draft profile is as follows:
At a high level, Ty’Ron Hopper is a solid coverage linebacker who could contribute on special teams in the NFL. He has impressive speed and movement skills which show up the most in man coverage against running backs and tight ends. He can also close in a hurry and can be an asset as a blitzer on third downs.
Against the run, Hopper has impressive sideline-to-sideline range against outside runs and is physical when coming downhill, but he lacks the size and strength to hold his ground against offensive linemen. That leads to him having to work around blocks, which will be more difficult against more athletic linemen in the NFL.
Overall, the Missouri product can be a solid rotational linebacker as a “Will” in even fronts for a team that runs a lot of man coverage. His speed and willingness to throw his body around can be an asset on special teams, which he has experience doing at Florida, but he didn’t participate on many special teams over the last two seasons after transferring.
The Packers are certainly interested in bringing in linebacker help, Hopper could be part of that plan. Especially given his coverage ability.
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