The upcoming 2024 NFL draft is set to be a historic one. If the prospects play up to their insanely high potential, then there should be some Hall of Fame QBs and WRs. If they don’t work out, then some of these players will end up as all-time busts.
Of course, that mainly has to do with the offense. In today’s hyper-offensive landscape, a draft class like this is going to get all the attention on that side of the ball. With that being said, there’s so much defensive talent in this class that it’s not even funny. There’s some probable Hall of Fame talent lurking in the first few rounds; here are just a few of them, including players the Packers can potentially steal.
Jer’zhan Newton Might Be The Most Underrated Player In The 2024 NFL Draft
Regardless of how his career pans out, Jer’zhan Newton is as guaranteed a pick as there is. There’s not really a floor for Newton, as the mammoth interior D-lineman will naturally cause double teams because of his size.
His ceiling, however, is similar to Justin Madubuike of the Baltimore Ravens. He earned double-digit sacks because of his agility and moves, and many TFLs due to his ability to shed blocks and get after running backs. If he doesn’t reach that, however, he’s still a steal because of how much space he takes up.
The Packers could get him in the first or even the second round, as his stock remains stagnant while guys like Xavier Worthy’s stock continues to rise.
Laiutu Latu
If used correctly along the edge, Latu has TJ Watt potential. He’s the same size and has the same urgency to get to the QB that Watt has. Of course, Latu will have to be in the right place and develop into that type of disruptor, but the potential is undoubtedly there.
Jared Verse
Verse has been touted as a top 10 overall prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft, and for good reason. He’s big with solid speed and has a pretty good motor through and through. His IQ appears to be high, and he’ll most likely be picked by the Bears or Vikings with their top 10 picks.
Dallas Turner
The well-touted Alabama prospect might be a bit over-hyped, but his stats speak for itself. He is pretty good but has the potential to be a Jadeveon Clowney or Chase Young type of semi-bust due to his inconsistency.
Cooper DeJean
DeJean might just end up with Green Bay if he falls that hard.
The team needs a safety, and if all the good tackles are gone the Kyle Hamilton clone could be wearing a G on his helmet next year.
Nate Wiggins
Wiggins has a lot of hype but has been very inconsistent with his play. He’s the type of boom-or-bust DB that infuriates fans, but he could get a lot of picks.
Quinton Mitchell
Mitchell is probably going to be picked in the 1st round, but he’s still underrated. The only knock on his game is that he barely played press-man coverage, but that has more to do with his college coaching than his own play.
Chop Robinson
Chop gets a lot of love from his name. That doesn’t mean he’s great, though his tape is solid. He’s a very safe pick, as he’s a good all-around DL. If he improves, he could be an all-pro.
Kool-Aid McKinstry
Another player whose name is more recognizable than his game also is pretty right. Just like Chop, he’s raw and needs some time to develop. He’s heavily linked to Green Bay.
Byron Murphy
If the Packers luck out and get Byron Murphy, they would have an outstanding DL duo between Murphy and Devonte Wyatt. No team could run up the middle on them, and the interior pass rush would be as good as it gets. If the Packers met with him already, there just might be potential he ends up with the G on his helmet this year. Regardless, he rounds out a strong 2024 NFL draft class.
