The Green Bay Packers have two top candidates to move on the defensive side of the 2024 NFL Rookie Team: linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and safety Javon Bullard.
NFL.com’s Chad Reuter picked Cooper and Bullard as his All-Rookie Team Prediction Enters 2024.
Cooper, the 45th pick, should be a Day 1 starter alongside Quay Walker at linebacker. Bullard, the 58th pick, should be a day one starter alongside Xavier McKinney. Together, this pair of rookies could be an significant part of Jeff Hafley’s up-to-date defense in Green Bay.
Reuter sees Cooper – one of the most breakout defenders in college football last season – as the ideal attacking defenseman in Hafley’s 4-3 scheme, and Bullard – an outstanding hitter with slot and safety versatility – as the ideal complement alongside it all McKinney.
Reuter on Cooper: “Cooper finds himself in an ideal situation in Green Bay, where his speed and durability will force offenses to count on him on every play. He and 2022 first-round draft pick Quay Walker will be the primary linebackers in new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s scheme, working inside and outside depending on the formation. Cooper should put up solid numbers in all categories as a rookie, intercepting a pass or two, racking up a few sacks on blitzes and finishing first or second on the team in tackles.”
Reuter on Bullard: “Bullard’s ability to make plays and secure open plays whether he’s deep or in the paint, making him a great complement to free agent Xavier McKinney. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will have the flexibility to play one-on-one or in two-deep coverages. Bullard showed a penchant for making big plays in big games during his Georgia career. If he does the same this fall, it should lead to a successful campaign for the Packers and a spot on the All-Rookie Team.”
The last Packers player named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team was Walker in 2022. A first-round draft pick, Walker had 121 tackles, seven pass interceptions, three forced fumbles, five tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks as a rookie in 17 games in 2022.
