It's impossible to know exactly what will happen two weeks from now in the 2024 NFL Draft. But if it goes just like Mel Kiper put together in his newest mock draft for ESPN, Green Bay Packers fans would be extremely happy.
ESPN's legendary draft analyst put together a two-round mock draft, which means he executed three selections for the Packers — their two original ones, plus the second-rounder from the New York Jets acquired in the Aaron Rodgers' trade last year.
Mel Kiper selections:
25. Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
While it's possible Rasheed Walker, a seventh-rounder in 2022, could be the long-term replacement for David Bakhtiari at left tackle in Green Bay, I'd take a tackle with upside here. Again, this is the draft in which teams should pursue a first-round tackle.
The 6-foot-8, 340-pound Mims started just eight games in college, but he was excellent when he was on the field. Once he locks into edge rushers, they get swallowed up in his massive wingspan. He didn't allow any sacks in his career. The Packers have an extremely young offense, and Mims would be another pillar to build around.
41. Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
Here's a spot for my top-ranked off-ball linebacker to come off the board. Green Bay parted ways with De'Vondre Campbell and doesn't have a replacement on its roster. Cooper, who had 14 tackles for loss in 2023, could slot in as a rookie. He has stellar range as a run defender and doesn't have to come off the field in passing situations.
58. Javon Bullard, S, Georgia
Bullard is a fun player to watch, because he can play as a slot corner, as a center fielder or closer to the line of scrimmage, where he can make plays in the run game. He's a little undersized (5-foot-11, 198 pounds), but he'll get after it in coverage. Green Bay signed Xavier McKinney in free agency and is turning over its safety position. The Packers had just seven interceptions last season, which ranked 31st in the league. Bullard had two picks in 2022 and two more in 2023.
A to Z Sports' analysis
Amarius Mims is taller and bigger than the players the Packers usually take. But that's not because they don't want tall and big players, it's just because tall and big players usually are not as athletic — and if they are, they don't fall until the end of the first round.
Mims does fall here because this offensive tackle class is awesome and because he is inexperienced. The Packers would have time and tools to develop him, and his ceiling might be the highest of the class. At 25, this is just an amazing value.
With the second-round picks, Mel Kiper made relatively questionable picks, but ones totally understandable.
Edgerrin Cooper is the best off-ball linebacker prospect, and the Packers desperately need an off-ball linebacker. Cooper, though, is too similar to Quay Walker, which is not ideal. Green Bay would probably be better off selecting a middle linebacker.
Meanwhile, Javon Bullard is an undersized safety who didn't make explosiveness and agility tests during the pre-draft process. But he is an intriguing and versatile prospect, and the Packers certainly need another safety, even after adding Xavier McKinney in free agency.
More must-reads: