Tag: Javon Bullard

Top 5 most impactful Packers rookies to watch during 2024 season

The Green Bay Packers are entering the 2024 season with a new wave of rookies ready to step up and make their mark.

The Green Bay Packers are entering the 2024 season with a new wave of rookies ready to step up and make their mark. With key departures and opportunities across the roster, this year’s rookie class will be crucial to the Packers’ success.

Here are the top five rookies who could make the biggest impact on the field this season:

1. Jordan Morgan (OT, Arizona)

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Yes, of course, you expect your first-round pick to be the most impactful rookie but Morgan makes sense considering he will be receiving most of the playing time out of all the draft picks. Morgan is going to have a prominent role along the offensive line and will most likely fit into the right guard position if the Packers decide to roll out their five best offensive linemen (Rasheed Walker – Elgton Jenkins – Josh Myers – Jordan Morgan – Zach Tom). The tackle-to-guard transition is not uncommon but Morgan’s ability to adapt quickly to the NFL will be key, as his performance in both pass protection and the running game will be crucial to the success of the Packers’ offense.

2. Javon Bullard (S, Georgia)

Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Bullard is another player poised to make an immediate impact for the Packers. The former Georgia Bulldog is known for his physical play, ability to cover a wide range of responsibilities and to be used in multiple positions. Head Coach Matt LaFleur noticed Bullard doing “a lot of great things” in their preseason game against the Cleveland Browns and the hope is for him to take the majority of the first-team snaps. With Xavier McKinney in the fold, the potential of this safety duo could be the catalyst for turning the Packers’ secondary into one of the most formidable in the league after being a massive reliability last season.

3. Edgerrin Cooper (LB, Texas A&M)

Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper runs through drills during rookie minicamp Friday at the Don Hutson Center.

One unit that fans should be excited about is the linebackers. Quay Walker has shown promise throughout his first two seasons in the NFL and continues to play a prominent role, Now, the Packers added a linebacker in the second round with Cooper, and the two form a speedy and athletic duo. Cooper can become a key defensive contributor right out of the gate with his ability to thrive in both run support and pass coverage. His combination of speed and instincts could turn the Packers’ linebacker corps into one of the most formidable units in the league. Cooper has the potential to solidify the linebacker position and become a central figure in the Packers’ defensive schemes with Walker.

4. MarShawn Lloyd (RB, USC)

Running back MarShawn Lloyd (32) is shown during organized team activities for the Green Bay Packers Tuesday, May 21, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Unlike the first two options, Lloyd might not see a ton of playing time out of the game or make an immediate impact. Arguably one of the best running backs in this year’s draft, Lloyd is known for his explosiveness and ability to create big plays, both as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. As he transitions to the NFL, Lloyd will likely rotate with new Packers running back Josh Jacobs but will be eating into the carries of AJ Dillon, whose role in the offense could be in question right before the season starts. However, if Lloyd quickly adapts to the NFL’s speed and physicality, he could emerge as a key playmaker later in the season, providing a dynamic element to the Packers’ offense and providing a 1-2 punch with Jacobs.

5. Evan Williams (S, Oregon)

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The Packers loaded up on safeties in the draft and Williams looks like a player that shouldn’t be overlooked. Coming into the draft, Williams was already known for his physical style of play and his understanding of the game. However, he’s shown a lot more. Williams made an impact during the first preseason game and continues to impress when he’s on the field. One thing that stands out that Packers fans haven’t seen in a while from a safety is the tackling.

Williams’s tackling ability was highlighted in their preseason game with the Browns, including a forced fumble. It might be tough to get the starting nod with McKinney and Bullard in the fold but if Williams keeps making plays, the Packers might have to find a role for him.

The Packers’ 2024 rookie class is filled with potential, and these five players are poised to make an impact right away. From solidifying the offensive line to strengthening the defense, these rookies will play crucial roles as the Packers navigate their way to a successful season.

Matt LaFleur talks possibility of ‘Big Nickel’ looks, Jordan Morgan as swing tackle

The Packers might experiment with a “Big Nickel” defensive look, while Jordan Morgan could be a swing tackle possibility.

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur mentioned the possibility of having multiple groupings involving the slot cornerback position and didn’t dismiss the idea of training Jordan Morgan as the swing tackle in case of an injury to Rasheed Walker or Zach Tom.

Asked if Keisean Nixon was locked in as the defense’s starter in the slot, LaFleur said “it’s all a competition” before bringing up the idea of other groupings based on personnel.

“We’ll let it play out,” LaFleur said Tuesday. “Throughout the course of the season, there’s going to be competition. We’re trying to get our best players out there. There’s nothing to say you can’t have multiple groupings as well. A lot of teams will do that. A lot of different bodies in there. Some teams will have a ‘Big Nickel’ where they get more of safety body type in there, vs. their regular nickel, however it shakes out.”

The obvious candidate to play in bigger nickel packages is rookie safety Javon Bullard, who has extensive experience playing in the slot and has the versatility required to play near the line of scrimmage. Bullard is competing to be the starter at safety, but it’s possible the Packers will experiment with playing Bullard in the slot and rookie Evan Williams next to Xavier McKinney at safety.

“The thing that you notice is just the level of physicality he plays with, he’s got great instincts, and his versatility, whether it’s safety or nickel, he’s a guy who can do either or,” LaFleur said.

LaFleur said Bullard “did a lot of great things” in his NFL debut against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday.

Some teams use safeties as linebackers in “Big Nickel” packages, which could be another way to get Williams or rookie Kitan Oladapo on the field.

On offense, Morgan — the team’s first-round pick — returned to practice Tuesday. He’s been getting reps primarily at right guard, where the Packers believe he has the best case to start right away. But LaFleur didn’t dismiss the idea of giving Morgan more tackle reps to prepare him for a situation where the Packers might need him outside.

“Potentially,” LaFleur said. “We’ll see.”

At this point, Andre Dillard, Caleb Jones, Kadeem Telfort and Travis Glover are getting the majority of the reps at offensive tackle behind the two starters.

Morgan, the 25th overall pick, started for three straight seasons at left tackle for Arizona. He could increase his value dramatically — even as a rookie — if he can both start at right guard and provide depth at offensive tackle. But it would be hard to blame the Packers if they kept Morgan’s focus on one position as he transitions to the NFL.

6 recent draft picks to watch during Packers preseason opener

From Javon Bullard to Sean Rhyan, here are six recent draft picks to watch when the Packers open the preseason against the Browns on Saturday.

Football is sort of back. Even if it’s only preseason football, it’s always exciting when the calendar flips to August. The Green Bay Packers open their preseason slate on Saturday against the Cleveland Browns.

Here are six players to keep tabs on throughout the game:

Javon Bullard, DB

Bullard is expected to start alongside Xavier McKinney in the backend of Green Bay’s secondary. The versatile rookie defensive back has put together an impressive training camp and made several plays on the ball during Green Bay’s family night. 

It seems like every practice Bullard has done something impressive, showcasing why Brian Gutekunst & Co. were high on the versatile defensive back. The former Georgia Bulldog will be watched closely when he takes the field in Cleveland on Saturday.

Evan Williams, DB

Williams is pushing Bullard for reps alongside McKinney. During his collegiate career, Williams was always around the action, which has continued to be the case thus far throughout training camp. The fourth-round pick has made his fair share of plays on the practice field and with his playmaking ability he could force Jeff Hafley to get him on the field more often than not. 

Marshawn Lloyd, RB

Instant offense. The former track athlete is a spark plug and finished last season at USC with 24 runs of 10-plus yards and averaged over seven yards per carry. Both Brian Gutekunst and Adam Stenavich have raved about his speed and burst. It will be interesting to see how much work the rookie running back gets on Saturday, but he may not need many touches to make an impact.

Lukas Van Ness, DE

The Van Ness breakout season will start on Saturday. Last year’s 13th overall pick closed out his rookie season with a bang. During the final eight games, Van Ness recorded four sacks and 13 pressures. If Van Ness can continue to build off that success entering year two, the Packers could have the makings of a formidable pass rush. 

Ty’Ron Hopper, LB

Hopper popped up on the injury report (ankle) during Thursday’s practice, so he may not suit up on Saturday. If he is cleared to play, the third-round rookie could be in line for a fair share of snaps. Hopper has showcased his fluidity and speed to match up in coverage and the sideline-to-sideline range to develop into an impact player for Jeff Hafley’s defense. 

Sean Rhyan, OL

With Jordan Morgan sidelined with a shoulder injury, Rhyan has a shot to showcase why he should still be considered for the starting right guard spot. Given his background of playing offensive tackle (at UCLA) and Green Bay’s clear lack of depth behind Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom, it would not be surprising to see the former Bruin get some reps outside against the Browns.

Packers rookies: Javon Bullard and Evan Williams impressing, Jordan Morgan getting comfortable at guard

A few updates on rookies for the Green Bay Packers through five training camp practices: safeties Javon Bullard and Evan Williams are impressing, while first-round pick Jordan Morgan is starting to get comfortable at guard. 

A few quick updates on rookies for the Green Bay Packers through five training camp practices: safeties Javon Bullard and Evan Williams are impressing with information retention and versatility, while first-round pick Jordan Morgan is starting to get more and more comfortable at guard.

Coach Matt LaFleur said he’s been impressed with the mental capabilities of both Bullard, a second-round pick, and Williams, a fourth-round pick.

“I’m really excited about both those guys,” LaFleur said Sunday. “Certainly, they have a skill set, but the mental ability of both of these guys to be able to retain what they’ve learned throughout the course of OTAs and come back and continue to build on it day by day. I think it’s been super impressive. They are versatile enough, we can interchange the safeties so you can’t get a beat on who is going to be where. It’s such a competitive situation.”

Both Bullard and Williams have made interceptions during training camp. On Saturday, Bullard jumped a short route and made what would have been a pick-six. Both rookies are getting chances to play next to Xavier McKinney as the Packers attempt to figure out the best combinations for Jeff Hafley’s secondary. Eventually, fifth-round pick Kitan Oladapo will return from a toe injury and get in the mix, and 2023 seventh-round pick Anthony Johnson Jr. is getting opportunities to rotate in next to McKinney.

LaFleur believes the competition will help the Packers find the best options at safety, a position that could be the team’s most improved over the 2023 season.

On offense, the Packers’ first-round pick has found an early positional home.

While Morgan got reps at tackle during the offseason workout program, most of his team reps during training camp have come at guard.

“He’s been predominantly inside,” LaFleur said. “I think he’s starting to feel more and more comfortable inside, but I think he’s talented enough that if we need to kick him outside, we can do that.”

Although a college left tackle, Morgan was seen by many as best suited to play inside at guard during the draft process.

The Packers have two returning starters at offensive tackle in Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom, although Tom hasn’t practiced in 11-on-11 work while recovering from an offseason pectoral injury. Inside at guard, Morgan is getting opportunities to play first-team reps, especially with Josh Myers (personal matter) and Elgton Jenkins (veteran rest day) missing a few practices early on. It’s possible Morgan will get more chances to play tackle if the competition at right tackle — where Andre Dillard and Kadeem Telfort have rotated in and out with Tom not available — doesn’t improve.

Javon Bullard’s versatility could define the Packers’ new safety group

The Packers have three new safeties who can play all over the field, and rookie Javon Bullard’s versatility might be the most impressive.

If you’re going to be a high-ticket safety in today’s NFL, you have two realistic choices: You can either cover the deep third at an Ed Reed or Earl Thomas level, or you’d better be able to play multiple positions to an exceedingly high standard.

The 2023 Green Bay Packers had neither of those types of players in their defense, which is why they were as aggressive as any team at redefining their safety group this offseason. First, they gave former New York Giants star Xavier McKinney a four-year, $67 million contract with $23 million guaranteed. Then, they selected three more safeties in the draft — Georgia’s Javon Bullard with the 58th overall pick in the second round, Oregon’s Evan Williams with the 111th overall pick in the fourth round, and Oregon State’s Kitan Oladapo with the 169th overall pick in the fifth round.

All of those safeties are capable of playing multiple positions, which makes them valuable additions for new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. But when it comes to effective season-to-season plug-and-play deployment, it’s tough to beat what Bullard was able to do in Kirby Smart’s defenses in 2022 and 2023.

In 2022, Bullard was primarily a slot defender — he lined up there on 510 of his snaps, with 64 snaps in the box, 20 in the slot, and just 12 at free safety.

In 2023, Bullard’s profile flipped completely. That’s when he played 362 snaps in the deep third, 144 in the slot, 80 in the box, and just three on the line. Smart needed Bullard to dominate at a key position he’d rarely played before, and that’s exactly when Bullard did. Last season, he allowed 14 catches on 26 targets for 119 yards, 68 yards after the catch, no touchdowns, two interceptions, five pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 34.0. Among FBS safeties playing at least 50% of their defenses’ snaps, that ranked sixth-lowest.

On both single-high and two-deep reps, Bullard immediately displayed many of the traits you want in that type of player — from the understanding of route concepts, to the range to work from the middle of the field to the boundary.

Bullard wasn’t just great deep; he was also just fine in the slot to safety transition.

Hafley tried hard to recruit Bullard when Hafley was Boston College’s head coach (as did new Packers passing game coordinator Derrick Ansley when Ansley was at Tennessee), but it’s safe to say that Hafley is more than happy to have Bullard now.

“Just loved his tape,” Hafley said of Bullard after the pick was made and rookie minicamp was underway. “Loved the way he played. He’s a physical guy. He can run, he can cover, he can play deep, he can play in the slot, he can blitz. He’s bigger when you see him.

“He’s a sharp guy. His ability to learn and process in those two days [of rookie minicamp] was impressive. You get a guy who can play that fast and can take what he learned in the meeting room and bring it out to the field, and he’s got a chance.”

Ansley agreed.

“Javon was a corner originally coming out of high school, very versatile. He was really tough then and he’s tough now. He’s just got a phenomenal skill set. He can do a lot of different things. He’s smart, can pick it up quickly, very instinctive, and when he gets to the point of contact, he gets there with a chip on his shoulder.”

So now, the Packers have three field-roaming safeties where before, it could be credibly argued that they were short just that many before. And Bullard could be the leader of the group over time. Doing what he’s already done — completely reversing coverage archetypes from one season to another for one of the best college defenses of the last few decades — tends to indicate an impressive NFL future.

Georgia safety makes NFL All-Rookie team

Former Georgia Bulldogs star defensive back is ready to make a big impact for the Green Bay Packers as a rookie

Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Javon Bullard has made NFL.com’s All-Rookie team for the 2024 season. Bullard is one of 11 defenders on Chad Reuter’s All-Rookie defense.

The Green Bay Packers drafted Georgia defensive back Javon Bullard in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft. Bullard, who had an emotional reaction to being drafted, is adjusting to life in the NFL.

“Bullard can make plays on the ball and secure open-field tackles whether he’s lined up deep or inside the box, which makes him a great complement to free-agent addition Xavier McKinney,” said Chad Reuter. “Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will have the flexibility to play single-high or two-deep coverage.”

Bullard brings versatility to the Green Bay secondary and has a chance to start as a rookie. Bullard is a strong tackler that came up with some clutch performances for Georgia during the College Football Playoff.

Bullard was one of eight Georgia Bulldogs selected in the 2024 NFL draft. He’s poised to make a big impact as a rookie along with Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Amarius Mims and more.

Packers rookie Javon Bullard gets a laugh out of latest ‘Madden NFL 25’ trailer

The latest “Madden NFL 25” trailer had Packers rookie Javon Bullard getting juked by Bijan Robinson.

The latest “Madden NFL 25” trailer wasn’t particularly kind to Green Bay Packers rookie Javon Bullard. Only 11 seconds into the trailer, Bullard is seen missing an open-field tackle on Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, who put a successful juke move on the digital version of the Packers rookie safety.

The second-round pick still got a good laugh out of his brief appearance in the “Madden” trailer.

“Damn I get juked out on the first play,” Bullard wrote, with five crying laugh emojis to end the tweet.

Robinson sliced and diced his way through the Packers defense in Week 2 of last year, including one run in which he put a vicious juke on former Packers safety Darnell Savage. The erratic and disappointing play of the safeties in 2023 led the Packers to signing Xavier McKinney and taking Bullard in the second round.

It’s worth noting: The Packers don’t play Robinson and the Falcons on the 2024 schedule. Any real-life matchup between Robinson and Bullard this season would have to arrive in the postseason.

Later in the trailer, “Madden” featured Packers center Josh Myers and the rest of the offensive line while highlighting new blocking AI in the game.

Contract details for Packers second round pick S Javon Bullard

The Packers signed second round pick Javon Bullard and Over the Cap has the contract details.

The Green Bay Packers have officially signed second-round pick Javon Bullard. Over the Cap now has the details on what Bullard’s rookie deal will look like.

Bullard earned a standard four-year rookie contract that totals $6.706 million with a signing bonus of $1.697 million.

Bullard will receive the full signing bonus up front, but from a salary cap perspective, that $1.697 million can be pro-rated over the life of the contract. Or, in short, the cap hit in 2024 from that bonus is just $424,297.

That pro-rated signing bonus amount plus a base salary of $795,000 will make up Bullard’s cap hit for this season, which totals $1.219 million.

Moving forward, beyond 2024, a $424,297 cap hit from the pro-rated signing bonus will be on the Packers’ books all four years of the contract, along with Bullard’s base salary increasing each year as well.

In 2025, Bullard’s base salary will be $1.099 million. In 2026 it increases to $1.404 million, and then $1.709 million in 2027.

Here is a look at what Bullard’s cap hit will be each season:

2024: $1.219 million
2025: $1.524 million
2026: $1.828 million
2027: $2.133 million

Throughout the offseason when GM Brian Gutekunst was asked about the safety position, he routinely used the word “interchangeable” to describe what he was looking for, meaning that he wanted that he wanted the two safeties and the nickel cornerback who could fill all three roles.

Bullard fits that description perfectly. He comes to the NFL having been Georgia’s starting slot corner in 2022, and their free safety in 2023, along with played 169 career snaps from the box as well. In addition to his versatility, Bullard brings a fast and physical play-style to the Packers’ secondary as well.

“I can play all three positions in the secondary,” said Bullard. “Whatever you need me to play. I feel like I proved my versatility throughout this process, man, being able to cover slot guys and being able to cover tight ends and being able to get down in the box and get down-and-dirty with your running backs, things like that. so I feel like I can play all over.”

Packers sign second-round pick Javon Bullard

The Packers signed second-round pick Javon Bullard, leaving only first-round pick Jordan Morgan signed among the 11-player 2024 draft class.

The Green Bay Packers announced the signing of safety Javon Bullard, a second-round pick out of Georgia, on Monday.

Bullard is the second-to-last pick from the 11-player 2024 draft class to sign. Only first-round pick Jordan Morgan remains unsigned. The nine other players in the draft class have already signed.

Listed by the Packers at 5-10 and 198 pounds, Bullard will have a legitimate chance to start at safety as a rookie in 2024. He is a versatile defensive back who the Packers believe can play deep, in the box and in the slot, giving him the interchangeable profile coveted by Jeff Hafley’s new defensive scheme.

Bullard was the 58th overall pick in the 2024 draft. According to Over the Cap, Bullard’s four-year rookie deal is expected to be worth $6.71 million with a $1.69 million signing bonus and a 2024 salary cap number of almost $1.22 million. Bullard’s contract runs through the 2027 season.

Eric Stokes on Packers rookie Javon Bullard: ‘He’s a savage’

Eric Stokes can’t wait to play with the most recent addition from Georgia. Stokes called rookie safety Javon Bullard a “savage” who is “knocking heads off.”

Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes, once a first-round pick out of Georgia in 2021, is now surrounded by former Bulldogs in Green Bay, and he’s especially excited about playing with the most recent addition.

After Stokes was first-round picks Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt in 2022. This year, the Packers added safety Javon Bullard, a second-round pick in the 2024 draft. While they didn’t play together at Georgia, Stokes and Bullard will share the same secondary in Green Bay.

Stokes said he knew Bullard well before the draft after going back and training in Athens during the offseason. And he knows exactly what kind of player the Packers are getting.

“I love Bull,” Stokes said. “He came (to Georgia) right after me. He’s a dog. He’s a savage. He’s knocking heads off. I can’t wait to be out there with him.”

The description of Bullard sounds fitting for a player once nicknamed a “little stick of dynamite” by Georgia coach Kirby Smart. While listed at 5-10 and 198 pounds, Bullard is a big hitter who seeks out contact — increasingly uncommon traits for a defensive back.

Bullard is No. 20 and Stokes is No. 21, so the two are positioned right next to each other in the Packers locker room. Stokes has been a mentor for Bullard during the early portions of his rookie season.

“That’s my locker buddy. Me and E go way back, even before I got here,” Bullard said. “He’s helped me tremendously, on and off the field. That’s my guy.”

It’s possible the Packers will have four starters from Georgia come Week 1 of 2024: Stokes at cornerback, Bullard at safety, Walker at linebacker and Wyatt at defensive tackle.

“It’s amazing. Might as well keep adding Dogs to Green Bay,” Bullard said.

Can the Packers defense reach the elite levels so commonly achieved by the immensely talented Georgia defenses at the collegiate ranks?

The four Bulldogs — including Bullard, the “savage” — will play a big part in answering that question for the Packers in 2024 and beyond.