Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst’s two draft picks in the 2024 NFL Draft selected the All-Rookie Team in a vote conducted by the Pro Football Writers Association.
Defenseman Edgerrin Cooper (second-round pick) and backup Evan Williams (fourth-round pick) were selected at their respective positions.
Both struggled with injuries as rookies, but both consistently played crucial roles in Jeff Hafley’s Packers defense.
In 14 games, Cooper recorded 3.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and an interception. He was the NFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 8 (at the Jaguars) and Week 15 (at the Seahawks) and the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month in December/January. At PFF, Cooper was the highest-rated off-ball linebacker among rookies and the second-highest-rated rookie overall.
In 13 games, Williams had 49 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble and three pass breakups. He intercepted a Hail Mary to secure the win against the Colts, broke up a key fourth down pass to preserve the win in Los Angeles and forced a fumble against the Cardinals. Per PFF, Williams was the highest-rated safety among rookies with at least 500 snaps played.
Cooper is the first Packers linebacker to make the All-Rookie team since Quay Walker in 2022. Williams is the first Packers linebacker to make the All-Rookie team since Darnell Savage in 2019.
Walker was the last Packer to be named to the All-Rookie Team in 2022.
Williams is the first Packers rookie selected outside the first round to make the All-Rookie Team since Casey Hayward in 2012.
