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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
31 seconds of rookie Evan Williams already being one of the best tacklers on the Packers. pic.twitter.com/PcANuAV49Q
— Daire Carragher (@DaireCarragher) August 11, 2024
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.