It was an interesting Friday for the Packers on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft. As predicted, I enjoyed the numerous calls for General Manager Brian Gutekunst's job as the Philadelphia Eagles "jumped in front" of the Packers to select Iowa's Cooper DeJean. The mutinous drone started to subside as fans were appeased with the selection of Texas A&M's Edgerrin Cooper, which the Packers actually got by trading back with the Saints, who would go on to select another fan favorite Alabama's Kool-Aid McKinstry; giving up two Day 4 picks in the process. With Javon Bullard playing for Georgia, I think the consensus was that he was "acceptable" But those rallying cries for Gutey's head started to intensify again as he selected USC's Marshawn Lloyd, and went to a climax with the choice of Missouri's Ty'Ron Hopper. I can't wait to see what Packers World will do when these 8 picks come off the board tomorrow. I don't even think Gutekunst will sleep tonight knowing he's got practically an entire side of the ball to pick Saturday.

Where could Gutekunst go for Day 3? It's truly anyone's guess. Despite taking Jordan Morgan Thursday night, I think the safe bet is that the Packers will honor their tradition of finding offensive line talent to develop on Day 3. But beyond that? I truly don't have a clue. My personal board took some solid hits today, but I'm almost certain that probably 3 or even as many as 5 of Saturday's selections will be prospects who are not on my board at all. Gutekunst continues to evolve and he showed that Friday night, with the selection of Bullard and Lloyd, two players who have some dynamo to them but I felt might've been too small for his thresholds. With that being said, the possibilities are endless.

Building off of yesterday's article, let's go off what wasn't addressed on Day 2:

Gutekunst did say he'd like to get back to developing a QB every year, and there are a lot of them left to choose from after 6 went in the first 12 selections Thursday night.

With 8 picks, the Packers may not be done at the RB position. With Lloyd being 5'9, the Packers may elect for a back with more bulk for short-yardage situations to supplant A.J. Dillon should he falter in 2024.

I'm not sure if there is a guy left on their board, but as a luxury the Packers may still be looking for that vertical deep threat to add to the WR Corps.

Whether at Center or Guard, some competition for Sean Rhyan, Josh Myers, and Royce Newman SHOULD be a priority.

Given the success of last year's picks Luke Musgrave and Tyler Kraft Tight End is definitely not a need, but there are so many guys left, why not?

As mentioned yesterday, an additional Defensive Tackle would be nice. Those two extra picks make that a possibility.

We got two Linebackers on Day 2, could Gute go for the three-piece today? I think so.

Until J.J. Enagbare returns, the Packers are one injury away from the Edge position of being in trouble. Could the Packers elect for one or even two guys to bring in?

Javon Bullard has been mentioned more as a Nickel who can play Safety if necessary; so with two extra picks, could Gutekunst still be looking for a "true Safety"? Or what about a Cornerback on the boundary?

With 8 picks, I had to dig deep to find some guys who could be in the mix. There will be some carryover from the Day 2 article, as even though my evaluation of them might have been Day 2, the Packers may pick them up on Day 3 where their "true value" might be.

Cam Hart, CB - Notre Dame (Day 2 Carryover)

At 6'3, Hart is likely to be on many teams' list on Day 2. He possesses better-than-good man-coverage skills and is more than adequate against the run. I've heard rumors of some teams wanting to try him at either Safety position too given the underwhelming class at the position. If the Packers are interested, they probably need to move sooner rather than later.

Christian Mahogany, OG - Boston College (Day 2 Carryover)

One of the 2024 Joseph's Gems, Mahogany played for new DC Jeff Hafley in a power gap scheme, but his movement skills show he can be more than good in a zone scheme as well. Mahogany looks to finish you every play, it's the nastiness that I think this offensive line group desperately needs up front when it's time to move the pile.

Mason McCormick, OG - South Dakota State (Day 2 Carryover)

The most athletic Guard in the class with a 9.96 RAS, I have to believe that Gutekunst is in on McCormick. As one scout put it, "He plays like an a**hole." What's not to like about that? Should Jordan Morgan pan out at LT, McCormick is an instant contributor at the RG spot. I have concerns about his functional strength, to go along with his footwork and punch. But if he can answer those questions in the preseason, Sean Rhyan will have no choice but to concede the starting role. Coming out of the small NFL Factory that SDSU has become recently, he should be a surefire fan favorite next to his former teammate Tucker Kraft.

Jaylen Wright, RB - Tennessee (Day 2 Carryover)

The Volunteers' Wright blew the testing out of the water but the tape is questionable. He has blazing-fast speed, but his vision is lacking and he gets brought down way too easily. He's a project that could come along later down the line, which is hopefully towards the end of Josh Jacobs' contract. Immediately, though he profiles as a change of pace back who can give Jacobs and A.J. Dillon a spell and compete with Emmanuel Wilson for additional snaps down the road.

Spencer Rattler, QB - South Carolina

After the league got its fill of Quarterbacks Thursday night, no QBs were taken on Day 2. For a prospect that I had ranked ahead of Bo Nix and even Drake Maye, it seemed like only yesterday that Rattler was in the mix for 1st Overall back in 2023 before his fall from grace in Norman that led to the eventual rise of Caleb Williams. Rattler has a howitzer for an arm with the touch to drop it into a bucket 70 yards away. While he didn't test well, Rattler has the athleticism to extend the play but also has the cojones to hang in the pocket and make the throw. Like the aforementioned Maye, his decision-making needs some considerable refinement, but he'll never misfire like Maye did on tape. If you ever wanted a guy you could draft on Day 3 and possibly flip for a Day 2 pick in a year or two, Rattler is your guy.

Theo Johnson, TE - Penn State

The 6'6 Johnson was my TE2 for this year's class. Posting an eye-popping 9.93 RAS, Johnson was the ultimate safety blanket for this QBs during the Senior Bowl and could be a menace in an offense where the defense has to account for Musgrave, Kraft, and Johnson. What's even better, he was a pretty damn good blocker for the Nittany Lions too! Could you imagine the possibilities for Jordan Love in the red zone with three 6'5 or bigger Tight Ends? Sign me up!

Trey Taylor, S - Air Force

2024's Jim Thorpe Award Winner (Best Defensive Back) and also one of this year's Gems. Taylor can play EVERY spot in the secondary and had a very lengthy interview with Brian Gutekunst at the Combine. Did Trey make a strong enough impression to get selected? I sure hope so.

Eric Watts, DE - Connecticut

UConn's Watts is who I would call a "poor man's Rashan Gary"; and he was also one of my Gems. I've always said that small school projects have the greatest to gain from NFL coaching. If Coach Haf can unlock even half of that Gary-like potential, the Packers might have an unstoppable rotation of Edge Rushers cycling on the field.

Isaac Guerendo, RB - Louisville

Guerendo is an all-purpose back with the speed to just leave everyone in the dust combined with the power to fight for the tough yards at the goal line. He's got a tad bit of medical history in his file, otherwise he should have been an easy Day 2 selection. If the Packers could look past that, he could be a quick threat to Josh Jacobs' snap count.

Cedric Gray, LB - UNC

Cedric was my #4LB and the best remaining on the board. Gray is a wrecking ball in the middle of a defense, but he misses a ton of tackles by playing with reckless abandon. Still, I'm sold on his coverage ability (5INTs) and ability to get to the QB.

Michael Pratt, QB - Tulane

GUNSLINGER. Pratt will put it in the old breadbasket. He'll hold it a little bit too long in the pocket as well as "let it rip" when he shouldn't sometimes. He sure is fun to watch though. He also beat out Caleb Williams in a QB duel last year at the Cotton Bowl. He's got a future in the NFL, let's develop him and sell him to the highest bidder in 2026.

Javon Baker, WR - UCF

Baker isn't a vertical threat, but he is a nice option for any team who may want an additional "X" in their WR Room. The former Crimson Tide turned Golden Knight exploded in a run-heavy offense with nuanced route running and soft hands. For a guy his size he should be better at defeating press-man than he is. But that can certainly be fixed.

Jared Wiley, TE - TCU

Wiley profiles as a "move" Tight End who can line up in-line as well as at slot receiver. At 6'6 with 4.6 speed he is a nightmare for Safeties and Linebackers alike. He doesn't have a lot of twitch, but when he does get the ball, he can get yards after the catch. Like most college TEs, blocking will have to be coached up. But he's a promising TE3 for the Packers' "everyone gets the ball" offense.

Kitan Oladapo, SS - Oregon State

Kitan was everything for the Beavers. He played both Safety spots and even came down as a Big Nickel at times. He's gotta learn to stop staring down the QB and wrap up better, but he has enough juice in him to contribute right away. Nags and I are rooting for him.

Anthony Gould, WR - Oregon State

He's the last true speedster left on my board. Gould may be undersized but he goes "zero to sixty" QUICK. He lined up outside as well as inside, giving me "poor man's Steve Smith" vibes. He's not just fast either, he's an advanced route-runner and has a decent variety of release packages. If you don't get a jam on him at the line, you might as well look up as the ball sails right over your head and into Gould's hands.

Cornelius Johnson, WR - Michigan

Johnson had a career year in 2021, but he never saw that production again in a run-first, ball-control offense for Jim Harbaugh's Wolverines. He's fast but has build-up long speed....probably best as a "Z" WR. But he's got great hands and route-running ability, the results of a 4-year career in Ann Arbor. Could he be the vertical guy the Packers might be hunting for today? Maybe.

Justin Eboigbe, DT - Alabama

Like so many other blue-chippers before him, Eboigbe has the size, speed, and strength to compete at the biggest stage. The problem is he didn't much development in Tuscaloosa on such heavily stacked rosters through the years. Once again as a member of the "Get Kenny some Help" Club, Eboigbe is a run destroying defender day one who can collapse the pocket almost singlehandedly, if he can get some more pass rush tools, he could form a nasty combo with either Clark or Wyatt on the field.

Nathaniel Watson, LB - Mississippi State

Despite not being the best athlete, Watson was sideline-to-sideline at the Senior Bowl and cleaned up a ton of plays. Watson fits the "he's a football player" criteria when it comes to selecting a guy who may not have the desirable testing you're looking for.

Tyrone Tracy, RB - Purdue

A former WR, Tracy found a home in West Lafayette in the back field is final years. He's got a long ways to go before he's truly a RB, but his ability to contribute in the passing game immediately is a plus. 

Austin Booker, OLB - Kansas

Booker, who earned a Senior Bowl invite for his pass rushing acumen playing for the Jayhawks, has some coverage ability as well. He's a bit of a liability against the run, but as a rotational piece that can affect the pass game, I'd take a flyer on him.

Beau Brade, SS - Maryland

Brade might be the most physical Safety in the class. He can cover in a pinch, but he's best used as a box safety who roams between the hashes and shuts down any leaks out of the backfield. He may not be the best athlete, but a thumper as a SS/Dime LB with Special Teams ability can certainly carve out a role in the NFL.

Xavier Thomas, OLB - Clemson

Thomas is probably a Designated Pass Rusher (DPR) to start his career, but if he can overcome his shortcomings in the run game, he could be a full-time "Sam" Linebacker for the Packers.

Myles Murphy, DT - UNC

He showed out at the Shrine Bowl and might be equal parts run stuffer/pass rusher. His motor is relentless, he won't stop til the ball carrier is on the ground. He's hungry for a shot. I'd love the Packers to give it to him.

Myles Cole, DE - Texas Tech

With nearly 37" arms and an enticing blend of size and speed, it's hard not to be intrigued with Cole's potential. He's SUPER raw, but if he can be coached up, with that frame Cole could be an All-Pro in 3 years or less.

Ryan Watts, S - Texas

Watts was a CB for Ohio State and Michigan, but profiles as a Safety for the NFL game. He is a willing contributor in the run game and his 6'3 frame lends him to being a TE matchup weapon. There's some additional development needed for a CB to S project, but he has the athleticism to make the transition and be better than serviceable on the backend.

Gabe Hall, DT - Baylor

Hall had a promising future before basically pulling a Houdini down in Waco. He tested very well so I expect someone to take a flyer on him as a traits-based prospect as a depth piece. Are the Packers interested? It's a possibility.

Tanor Bortolini, C/G - Wisconsin

Could this be the year the Packers might actually take a Badger? Are you guys even Wisconsin fans anymore? Seems like a whole bunch of Michigan turncoats nowadays. But seriously, Bortolini is one of the most athletic Centers you'll find period at 9.77 RAS which shows through his quick feet and his affinity to getting two blocks executed on the same play. He might actually be a better Guard due to his snapping issues. Gutey values flexibility, so if he ends up just being a hyper-athletic Guard, so be it.

Taulia Tagovailoa, QB - Maryland

Smaller than his brother, and slightly smaller or lesser with everything else when compared to Tua. But the confidence, poise, and IQ surely isn't lacking. Taulia was the "juice" in the passing game at the Shrine Bowl and is an RPO Master. I don't know if he will ever mature to a starting QB in the NFL but as a backup to Jordan Love who can command an NFL offense and not just tread water, I'm more than a little intrigued.

Jalen Sundell, IOL - North Dakota State

Sundell played OT for NDSU, but for the NFL he's best moved into the interior of the offensive line. This might be the one I actually get right guys, we know Green Bay loves taking Tackles and converting them to Guards. Sundell has a high football IQ and never quits on a rep. When you're trying to make a roster, those can be the difference of making the roster or headed for the waiver wire.

Matt Lee, C - Miami

One of the 2024 Gems, Lee is slightly undersized, but is that even a thing at Center? He's got athleticism reminiscent of a former Packer who's a fan favorite and he's got a great understanding of the leverage game. He's instant competition for Josh Myers at Center.

Brevyn Spann-Ford, TE - Minnesota

Is Spann-Ford a Tight End or an Offensive Tackle? I guess it depends on if he reports as eligible. Spann-Ford's RAS is 6.80 as a TE, but 9.36 as an OT, and 9.56 as a OG. Will he ever be a true "Y" Tight End? Probably not, but if he can find his way onto a team and the coaching staff finds him a home, he could pay off dividends down the line. I personally think he should put on 30lbs of muscle and move to the line and let those elite movement skills for a man of his size serve him well.

31 picks for 8 selections. Maybe my much larger net might snag some future Packers this time. I'll see you guys at the end of the night for a wrap-up of Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft.

#GPG