second-round pick – Syndication Server

Green Bay Packers 2024 second-round pick: DB Javon Bullard

The Packers selected Georgia defensive back Javon Bullard in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers selected defensive back Javon Bullard in the second round (No. 58 overall) of the 2024 NFL draft.

Height: 5-10
Weight: 198
Age: 21
From: Milledgeville, GA

Breakdown: Excelled as both a primary slot corner in 2022 and primary deep safety in 2023. Earned an elite coverage grade at both spots and was a confident and fearless tackler, especially against the run. Can be a heat-seeking missile playing downhill. Didn’t allow a touchdown and forced seven incompletions in 2023, per PFF. Leader for a talented Georgia defense and consistently showed up big in big games. Was a top player at the Senior Bowl. The Packers think he can play every spot in the secondary, from slot to in the box to the post safety. Likely Day 1 starter next to Xavier McKinney who will give the Packers terrific flexibility in the secondary.

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 14, Georgia DB Javon Bullard

Dane Brugler’s scouting report: “A two-year starter at Georgia, Bullard played the field safety role in head coach Kirby Smart’s 3-3-5 base scheme, and he also saw reps in the box and slot. The lowest-ranked recruit in Smart’s 2021 recruiting class, he played the “STAR” nickel position in 2022 before moving to free safety. He didn’t allow a touchdown in coverage during the 2023 season. With his swagger fitting up the run, Bullard is assignment sound as a down safety, where he can quickly diagnose, drive and make plays at the football. He has the eye balance to rapidly read routes, although his timing will need to be pristine to cover NFL receivers and tight ends. Overall, Bullard doesn’t have ideal size or length, but he is ultra-instinctive and makes his presence felt at all three levels of the field. His skill set fits best as a hybrid nickel defender who can handle box duties, disguise his intentions and drop into space.”

Lance Zierlein’s scouting report: “Bullard isn’t a clean fit as a full-time nickel and might lack the length and range teams seek from a split safety, but he’s a good football player with the field awareness teams are looking for. He’s going to be a little tight with lateral movements, which will create some throwing windows and missed tackles from time to time, but his route recognition and angles of pursuit help to stabilize his play. There will be some challenging matchups, but Georgia’s provided the blueprint by playing him as a big nickel with run support and modest man cover duties — NFL teams would be wise to follow suit. With the right fit, Bullard should develop into a quality NFL starter.”

They said it: “Javon is a spirited, aggressive, smart football player. Loves the game, loves life, loves his teammates. You guys are going to love him. High energy. Always in a good mood but always competing. He’s just a good football player that loves to compete, loves to play. Will definitely raise the level of aggression and competitiveness in our locker room.” — Patrick Moore, assistant director of college scouting

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Green Bay Packers 2024 second-round pick: LB Edgerrin Cooper

The Packers selected Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers selected Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper in the second round (No. 45 overall) of the 2024 NFL draft.

Height: 6-2
Weight: 230
Age: 22
From: Covington, LA

College profile

Breakdown: Arguably the most disruptive off-ball linebacker in college football in 2023. Created SEC-leading 17.0 tackles for loss and 8.0 sacks over just 12 games for one of the nation’s best defenses. First-team All-American. PFF’s top-rated linebacker Flies around the field with elite speed and pursuit. Explosive, powerful hitter. Can cover tight ends and running backs and was highly productive as a blitzer and quarterback spy, giving him three-down potential. The Packers think he’s an interchangeable linebacker who fits with Quay Walker. Should be an immediate starter.

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 3, Texas A&M LB Edgerrin Cooper

Dane Brugler’s scouting report: “A two-year starter at Texas A&M, Cooper lined up as a Will linebacker in defensive coordinator DJ Durkin’s 4-2-5 base scheme, also seeing snaps wide as a nickel or on the defensive line. Although 2023 was a forgettable season for the program, the Aggies’ defense ranked top 10 nationally and Cooper was the catalyst, leading the team in tackles, tackles for loss, sacks and forced fumbles (only prospect in this class who can say that). An above-average athlete for his size, Cooper beelines to the football with outstanding closing burst and aggressive tackling. Though he has elite arm length, he can be better at shooting his hands to escape blocks. Overall, Cooper has some undisciplined tendencies and will run himself out of plays, but he is a fast-flowing linebacker who can run and cover. He has the explosive traits to be a regular on special teams as a rookie and grow into a three -down linebacker role in the NFL.”

Daniel Jeremiah’s scouting report: “Cooper is a long, rangy linebacker with excellent speed and coverage ability. Against the pass, he is very smooth in his drops, playing with vision and awareness. He is very comfortable in man coverage and has plenty of speed to carry tight ends up the seam. He is an explosive blitzer and has shown the ability to separate the quarterback from the ball. Against the run, he is quick to fill in the hole and displays stopping power as a tackler. He will have some fly-by missed tackles when in lateral pursuit. Overall, Cooper is an instinctive and explosive prospect who generates a bunch of splash plays. He’s ready to start right away, and I believe his best football is still ahead of him.”

Lance Zierlein’s scouting report: “Highly physical linebacker with elite top-end speed and a burning desire to get to the football that can lead to some inconsistencies in his play. Cooper is average at diagnosing the run but takes off around traffic on a mission to find the ball-carrier once he sees it. He can be undisciplined playing his run fits and takes unorthodox paths downhill, but he somehow finds ways to slither around blocks and make challenging tackles. Cooper is a punishing hitter/tackler from any spot on the field, but he’s going to overshoot the mark from time to time due to his lack of control in pursuit. He’s a capable quarterback spy, can blitz the pocket and will be an instant hit on special teams, but teams will need to balance the inconsistencies with the passionate run-and-hit mentality.”

They said it: “He’s long and he’s fast. Brian does such a good job of targeting these guys that can really run. Loves football. Plays aggressively. Young kid, still growing into his frame. He’s aggressive. He covers ground. He plays the right way. Just has big upside. Can play the second level and pressure the quarterback up the middle, just a really excited athlete…you can feel his acceleration.” — Patrick Moore, assistant director of college scouting

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Jamaal Charles to announce Chiefs’ second-round pick at 2024 NFL draft

#Chiefs legend Jamaal Charles will announce Kansas City’s second-round pick at the 2024 NFL draft.

The NFL draft has a reputation for providing a festive experience during the later rounds of the event. Since its expansion to different cities in recent years, former legends from the Kansas City Chiefs and the other 31 franchises have taken to the podium to announce draft selections on day two in front of the crowd in attendance.

On Thursday afternoon, the NFL released a list of team legends slated to announce their club’s second-round picks. The Chiefs are expected to have all-time leading rusher Jamaal Charles on stage, representing the team reading the 64th overall selection.

The league’s continuous effort to connect the game’s greats with the next generation of stars, NFL legends, and active players will add to the event’s excitement through the announcements and participating in festivities in Detroit.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will announce the entire first round from the podium on Thursday night, while different franchise representatives will be on Friday and Saturday. In addition to announcing NFL draft selections, Charles and the other legends will be on-site to mentor the prospects and give back to the city of Detroit through participation in various community service events.

Charles retired as one of the best running backs in the league during his era. He spent the majority of his career with the Chiefs for nine seasons. His 1,332 carries are the second most in franchise history, and his 7,260 rushing yards are still the most in Chiefs history.

The former third-round pick in the 2008 NFL draft accumulated 64 touchdowns, which rank fifth all-time among Kansas City players.

Green Bay Packers 2023 second-round pick: WR Jayden Reed

The Packers selected Michigan State WR Jayden Reed in the second round (No. 50) in the 2023 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers selected Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed in the second round (No. 50 overall) of the 2023 NFL draft.

Height: 5-11
Weight: 187
Age: 23
From: Naperville, IL

Breakdown: Thin but dynamic and ultra-competitive receiver who can line up at any spot out wide and also return punts and kicks. Consistently plays bigger than his size; goes and gets the ball in traffic and 50/50 opportunities. Elusive with the ball in his hands. Terrific 10-yard split, Packers say they clocked him at 4.37 in the 40-yard dash. Wins on back-shoulder throws. Excelled at the Senior Bowl. Should complement Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs well as a versatile receiver who can play in the slot. Caught over 200 career passes and returned three punts for scores.

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 64, Michigan State WR Jayden Reed

Brugler’s scouting report: “A three-year starter at Michigan State, Reed was a perimeter receiver in offensive coordinator Jay Johnson’s offense. Although his senior year fell short of expectations because of injuries and the Spartans’ offensive struggles, he accounted for 46 explosive plays (20-plus yards) over the past two seasons and became just the third player in school history with multiple punt return touchdowns in the same season. Reed has outstanding foot quickness and skillfully throttles his route speed to separate from coverage. Despite dropping too many easy ones, his focus is heightened on contested windows, and he shows a knack for timing his leaps and snatching the football off the helmets of defensive backs. Overall, Reed will have a tougher time overcoming his slight size vs. NFL defensive backs, but his speed, route tempo and downfield ball skills are the ingredients of a potential NFL playmaker. With a few technical tweaks to his game, he has NFL starting ability (slot and outside) and adds value as a return man.”

Zierlein’s scouting report: “Utility wideout with the ability to take snaps at multiple receiver positions while offering both kickoff and punt return talent. Reed looks smaller in many of his matchups, but he is rarely deterred by size. He’s too tight-hipped for stop-start routes on the tree, but he operates with good route speed and should improve his ability to separate with additional development and experience on the next level. His ball skills and feel for positioning on deep throws and jump balls are unquestioned. Limiting his focus drops on short and intermediate throws will be critical to becoming a long-term NFL contributor.”

Michigan State profile

They said it: “Jayden is a very versatile player. He can return punts, play inside in the slot, play outside the numbers. He’s fast, quick in and out of his breaks. He’s strong for his size. We like him with the ball in his hands. Another kid who is wired right. He’s going to bring a dog mentality to this locker room.” — VP of player personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan

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