The Green Bay Packers entered day two with ten picks; after a trade back, they are on pace to have a total of 13 picks. On day two, Gutekunst balanced the need and upside. In the second round, the Packers walked away with two guys who should be instant starters. Not only do they have plenty of playing time under their belts, but they also bring an elite athletic profile to the defense.
Green Bay Packers Draft Quay Walkers Running Mate
After trading back with the Saints in the second round, the Packers moved back four spots to draft linebacker Edgerrin Cooper. Edgerrin Cooper was the consensus number-one linebacker among all the analyst’s draft boards.
In 2023, Edgerrin Cooper was First-Team all-SEC. In 12 starts, he led the team with 84 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and eight sacks. Per NFL Next Gen Stats, he was the fourth most productive linebacker and had a combine rank of fifth. His total score of 82 puts him second among all linebackers in the draft.
Edgerrin Cooper and Quay Walker are similar players, and it will be interesting to see who takes on the role of the Mike linebacker. Hafley should be able to get creative with them when rushing the passer. The Packer’s defense seems to be trying to build a similar defense as the 49er’s backers, with two very athletic inside linebackers. We will have to wait and see whether they’re ever as good as Dre Greenlaw and Fred Warner. It is no coincidence that Gutekunst is looking to become much more athletic in the linebacker position.
Javon Bullard Ready to Play Next to Xavier McKinney
“I’m a F**cking Packer,” Javon Bullard responded after the Packers called. The Georgia Safety was arguably the best safety in the draft class. When asked about his versatility, he replied, ” Whatever you need me to play, I felt like I proved my versatility throughout this process. Cover slot guys, tight ends, get down and dirty in the box with the running backs, and things like that. I feel like I can play all over.”
Javon Bullard is the fourth Georgia Bulldog drafted by Gutekunst since 2021. Javon Bullard met Xavier McKinney on a recruiting trip to Alabama, and now he will be playing alongside him for the Green Bay Packers.
In 2022, Bullard had two interceptions vs. TCU in the National Championship Game. In 2023, he started 12 games and finished with 56 tackles and two interceptions. He will bring value to the run defense and will hit with aggression.
Final Thoughts on the Green Bay Packers Second-Round
I know Cooper Dejean going one pick before the Packers was a kick to the stomach for most Packers fans. Gutekunst has repeatedly mentioned how he likes the cornerback room, and it was no surefire thing that Gutekunst had planted to draft Cooper Dejean. Trading back and acquiring extra picks while still getting the top linebacker was just another great move by Gutekunst.
After round two, the Green Bay Packers got much faster on defense.
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