NFL Mock Draft 2024: Packers Day 2 predictions featuring big trade
Green Bay Packers fans went on a rollercoaster of emotions on the opening night of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Six quarterbacks going inside the top 12 picks pushed some of the best defensive talent down the board, including cornerbacks Cooper DeJean and Terrion Arnold. The Detroit Lions traded a pick ahead of the Packers to take Arnold, which cleared the way for the Packers to take DeJean.
At least, so the fans thought (and hoped).
Green Bay instead went with Arizona tackle Jordan Morgan, who has the athleticism and talent to play across the offensive line. Astonishingly, DeJean fell out of the first round completely, giving the Packers another opportunity.
Our Day 2 mock draft will make a lot of Packers fans relieved after the DeJean dream seemingly ended on Thursday night.
Updated Packers 2024 NFL mock draft after Round 1
Round 2 (33): Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
Packers-Bills trade
The Packers passed on Cooper DeJean in the first round, but they get a second opportunity on Day 2. Green Bay shouldn't take any chances and trade up to the top of the round.
What could DeJean add to Jeff Hafley's defense? Brian Gutekunst said it best himself.
"I think he's, obviously, a very good athlete," said Gutekunst. "His ability to take the ball away is very impressive. He's got some teams ability as well, so he's a very well-rounded player. I think he can do either. It's really going to come down to where you may need him."
DeJean can play every position in the secondary. The Packers need to add another top defensive back, especially after the Bears drafted Rome Odunze.
Round 2 (58): Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
Edgerrin Cooper can start immediately in Jeff Hafley's defense alongside Quay Walker and Isaiah McDuffie, giving them an upgrade on De'Vondre Campbell.
Cooper is the best linebacker in the class and fits Hafley's more aggressive scheme. He has the speed and athleticism to make plays all over the field against the run and pass. Cooper earned PFF grades above 85 in pass rush, run defense, and coverage—he can do it all.
Selecting Cooper would also improve the Packers' pass rush. He had eight sacks at Texas A&M last year and could be an effective blitzer in Hafley's defense.
Round 3 (88): Dominick Puni, T, Kansas
Even after drafting Jordan Morgan, the Packers must continue building their offensive line depth.
Dominick Puni is a perfect fit for Green Bay. Athletically, he checks every box, having performed well in the agility drills. Puni's Relative Athletic Score is an elite 8.16. He is also a college tackle with experience playing inside, increasing his value. Green Bay may view him as a guard, but his positional versatility will interest Brian Gutekunst.
Per PFF, Puni played left tackle in 2023 and left guard in 2022, allowing zero sacks and only one hit across both seasons.
More Packers news and analysis
feed