The Green Bay Packers are opening the 2024 NFL season in São Paulo, Brazil, to play the Philadelphia Eagles, another team with several former Georgia Bulldogs on their roster. The Packers have their own Georgia Bulldogs on the defense, so we’ll take a deep dive into all of them.
Javon Bullard, S
This game doubles as his first game in the NFL. The three-year Bulldog was selected 58th overall in this past draft after becoming a crucial part of the Georgia Bulldogs team that won back-to-back national championships. According to NFL.com, Bullard profiles as a big nickel who thrives in run support and pass rushing situations. There are high hopes of him making the All-Rookie Team. He’ll get his first action against one of the best running teams in the NFL.
Quay Walker, LB
Walker was selected with the 22nd overall pick in 2022 after a four-year stint at UGA, where he was a crucial part of the 2021 national championship. His rookie year was a harsh learning experience for him. He was selected to the All-Rookie Team after leading the team in tackles (121), but he was ejected twice, including in a crucial game where he shoved a Lions medical staff in the Packers last game of 2022. 2023 saw massive improvement from him. He had three less tackles (118), but he had two more tackles for loss (7) and a 37-yard pick-six against the Chicago Bears in Week 1.
Devonte Wyatt, DT
Wyatt was the second Bulldog selected in the 2022 NFL draft. The Packers picked him 28th overall, and he has established himself as a solid, but not spectacular pass rusher at defensive tackle. He garnered 5.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, and 11 QB hits in 2023. Bulldogs fans should be excited to see his development.
Eric Stokes, CB
Stokes was selected 29th overall in the 2021 NFL draft, meaning he didn’t get to win a championship with Georgia like the rest. Even still, the cornerback was expected to be an impact starter on Green Bay right away. Stokes has started when healthy, but has had his share of injury struggles. An ankle injury caused him to miss half of the 2022 season, and a hamstring injury cost him all but two games of his 2023 season. The Packers declined his fifth-year option, making him a potential free agent after 2024, so this year is make or break for him.
The Packers are expected to at least be in contention for the NFC North and a playoff spot, if not a dark horse Super Bowl contender. Bulldogs fans will have a lot of Packers players to cheer for in that quest. Their matchup with the Eagles will take place on Friday, Sept. 6 at 8:15 p.m. ET, and fans can watch it on Peacock.