The 2024 NFL Draft has kicked off for the Green Bay Packers, who secured Arizona offensive tackle Jordan Morgan in the first round. Morgan’s arrival promises immediate support for Jordan Love’s protection, offering the team a dynamic and adaptable player capable of fitting seamlessly into various positions along the offensive line.
With four picks slated for Day 2 of the draft, attention turns to the potential impact on existing players in Green Bay’s roster. Here’s a glimpse at those who might face jeopardy with the impending selections in the second and third rounds:
- Linebacker Partnering Quay Walker: The Packers are primed to target an off-ball linebacker on the draft’s second day. This position is crucial for new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s 4-3 defense scheme, yet the current roster lacks adequate personnel in this area. While Quay Walker stands as a cornerstone, the remaining options are limited. Eric Wilson might suffice temporarily, but relying solely on Isaiah McDuffie seems risky. Given the Packers’ propensity to bolster certain positions through the draft, it wouldn’t be surprising if they doubled up at off-ball linebacker, potentially displacing current incumbents.
- Safety Concerns Beyond Xavier McKinney: Green Bay has undergone changes in the secondary during the 2024 offseason, losing key safety players from the previous year. Despite acquiring Xavier McKinney, the departures of Rudy Ford, Darnell Savage, and Jonathan Owens have left notable gaps. Anthony Johnson Jr., a seventh-round pick from 2023, is currently projected to start alongside McKinney, but this setup appears insufficient. The Packers are likely candidates to prioritize a safety early in the draft. Prospects like Jaden Hicks from Washington State or Cooper DeJean may be targets, potentially signaling the end for lower-drafted or free-agent safeties vying for starting spots in 2024.
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3. The Green Bay Packers are undergoing some changes in their secondary for the 2024 season, particularly at the safety position. They’ve experienced departures of key players like Rudy Ford, Darnell Savage, and Jonathan Owens. While they did acquire Xavier McKinney from the Giants in free agency, their current projected starter alongside him is Anthony Johnson Jr., a seventh- round pick from 2023. However, this setup might not suffice alongside McKinney.
Given this, it’s highly plausible that the Packers will target a safety early in the draft. Players like Jaden Hicks from Washington State, or perhaps Cooper DeJean, could be potential targets in the second round. Alternatively, they might opt for someone like Cole Bishop from Utah in the third round. If they do select a safety on the draft’s second day, it would likely signal the end of relying on late-round picks or street free agents to fill starting roles in 2024.
