The Packers selected an offensive tackle with their first-round pick this year, and Arizona’s Jordan Morgan is poised to take on the starting left tackle role over the current starter Rasheed Walker. According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, the team’s next two draft picks may also be on track for starting positions.

In the second round of this year’s draft, the Packers chose two SEC defenders. They picked Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper at 45th overall, followed by Georgia safety Javon Bullard at No. 58.

Cooper was the first linebacker selected in the draft, as predicted by many pre-draft rankings. Despite a heavy offensive focus in the early selections, Cooper was the lone linebacker taken in the first two rounds. Bullard was the second safety off the board, in line with pre-draft expectations.

Initially, neither player was seen as a guaranteed starter in their rookie season. Cooper possesses speed and coverage ability, but concerns about his consistency led to the idea of requiring development before becoming a full-time linebacker. Bullard offers versatility across the field and could excel in a hybrid safety/nickel role, but questions about his size and length posed potential limitations to his skills at the professional level.

However, both players reportedly showed promise in organized team activities under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley‘s system. While the team hasn’t named any starters yet, Cooper has been a standout in the middle of the 4-3 defense alongside Quay Walker and Isaiah McDuffie, aiming to fill the void left by De’Vondre Campbell.

Following the departures of Jonathan Owens and Darnell Savage, the team is also seeking replacements for both starting safety positions. Free agent addition Xavier McKinney is expected to secure one spot, leaving the other open for competition. Bullard faces a tougher path to winning the safety job compared to Cooper at linebacker, but his performance in OTAs suggests he is a strong contender.

Green Bay has a history of starting rookies, like Carrington Valentine who started 12 games at cornerback after being drafted in the 7th round last year. If Cooper and Bullard continue to progress positively throughout the summer, the Packers could potentially have three rookie starters when the 2024 NFL season kicks off.