Packers 2024 NFL Draft: Day 3 Analysis
Recapping the Packers' Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft
By JosephR
4th Round (111th Overall) Evan Williams, S - Oregon
Measurables/Combine:
5'11, 200lbs
40 - 4.6
10 - 1.55
Vert - 40.5
Broad - 10.6
RAS - 8.20
Career Notes
Williams, who initially committed to Fresno State, was an instant difference maker for the Bulldogs, playing all 4 years and starting most of them before his transfer to Oregon. He would go on to earn All-Conference honors in the Mountain West and the Pac-12 in 4 out of 5 years. While modest production in the passing came (4 career INT), he was a force in the box, registering over 300 tackles with 16 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks during his career. For three straight years from 2020-2023, Williams would be Top-10 in tackles for the Mountain West and the Pac-12.
Scouting Report
"He’s a box safety with a good feel for finding entry points and making tackles near the line. He can match up underneath and is average in zone but will allow too many big plays against NFL wideouts. He has a chance to impress on special teams but inconsistent open-field tackling could hurt his chances of becoming a viable backup strong safety."
"Overall, Williams has the instincts, toughness, and versatility to carve out a role at the next level, but lacks the needed physical tools to ever be a reliable NFL starter."
Other Options on the Board
This is why you don't fall in love with prospects but I would have loved my preferred choice of Mason McCormick, the hyper-athletic Guard from South Dakota State. Cam Hart(CB), Spencer Rattler(QB), Isaac Guerendo(RB), Austin Booker(DE) Jared Wiley(TE), and Jalen Wright(RB) were also available.
Why they went with Evan Williams
Brian Gutekunst was on a mission to rebuild the Safety room, Evan Williams fits the mold of a guy who has box and possible slot appeal. He should also have some Special Teams contributions early on as well. His extensive playing/starting experience, plus a high quality week at the Senior Bowl was key to being a Green Bay selection.
5th Round (163rd Overall) Jacob Monk, C - Duke
Measurables/Combine:
6'3, 308lbs
40 - 5.09
10 - 1.66
Vert - 29.5
Broad - 9
RAS - 9.74
Career Notes
Monk was an immediate difference-maker at Duke, starting immediately on the offensive line. Back-to-back All-ACC Honorable Mention before making 2nd Team All-ACC his Senior year. Monk was one of if not the most athletic Center in the 2024 Draft Class. In 58 total games, he started 54 of them.
Scouting Report
"Rare five-year starter and two-year team captain with explosive power and plus athleticism. Right off the bat, Monk will be dinged for his lack of ideal size as a center. He's going to have trouble with bulky two-gappers who can snap a punch into him and quickly separate. However, one-gapping defenders will have their hands full, as he's more than capable of washing them down or outright pancaking them."
Other Options on the Board
Options included Brenden Rice(WR), Matt Lee(C), and Jalen Sundell(C)
Why they went with Jacob Monk
We all know why, the Packers love getting athletic linemen on Day 3. We've been clamoring for some competition or an upgrade at Center, Monk should blow Josh Myers out of the water on athleticism. Worst case, Monk pushes out to be competition at Guard for Royce Newman.
5th Round (169th Overall) Kitan Oladapo, S - Oregon State
Measurables/Combine:
6'2, 216lbs
40 - 4.58
10 - 1.59
Vert - 36
Broad - 9.9
Bench - 15
RAS - 8.18
Career Notes
Oladapo was a major asset for the Beavers, playing FS/SS and even a little LB. He's very smart and is rarely caught out of position. Starting in his final 3 years, he averaged about 70 tackles with 6.5 career sacks and 3 interceptions. He showcases the ability to go sideline-to-sideline and wreak havoc on the offense's gameplan. Oladapo earned All-Pac 12 Honorable Mention in 2021 and 2nd Team All-Pac 12 for his senior year in 2023.
Scouting Report
"Oladapo possesses classic strong safety traits and play attributes, which should help evaluators define him more easily. He has very good size, with the play strength and toughness to tackle near the box and enough cover skills to line up over tight ends in man."
"Oladapo projects as a developmental starting safety. The combination of size, versatility, and athleticism is more than enough for an NFL team to develop over time. Oladapo has a lot to work with. A potential TE matchup weapon."
Other Options on the Board
A potential backup QB in FSU's Jordan Travis or CB Caelan Carson was an option that I thought the Packers might look towards. But Oladapo graded better than both if you ask me.
Why they went with Kitan Oladapo
The rebuild of the Safety position continued with the selection of Oladapo. While I love Bullard, I think he'll be weaponized more at the Nickel spot than some might think. Oladapo brings a high-IQ thumper at the Strong Safety spot when Bullard comes down to the line. Bullard and Oladapo paired up make an intriguing combination when on the field together matched with McKinney.
6th Round (202nd Overall) Travis Glover, G - Georgia State
Measurables/Combine:
6'5, 332lbs
RAS - 4.71
Career Notes
After a redshirt year in 2018, Glover was a near set it and forget it for the Panthers at Right Tackle before moving to Left Tackle. For his Senior year, he earned First Team All-Sun Belt honors. Glover doesn't have the requisite athleticism to play Tackle in the pros, so he moved to Guard after receiving an invite to the Senior Bowl to show he could be effective at the position. Regardless, his near 70 starts on the offensive line should never be discounted.
Scouting Report
"A five-year starter with elite size, Glover is well-proportioned with good lean mass. His stance is funky and might need to be corrected to improve his pass sets and avoid play tells. Glover has good length, but his hands can be late or inaccurate, which mitigates his size/length advantage."
Other Options on the Board
Miami Guard Javion Cohen was a preferred choice. Along with UConn Edge Rusher Eric Watts, UNC's Myles Murphy(DT), Baylor's Gabe Hall(DT), Texas Tech's Myles Cole(Edge), Mississippi State's Nathaniel Watson (LB) and Boston College's Christian Mahogany (OG).
Why they went with Travis Glover
Glover had a solid week at the Senior Bowl and likely impressed the Packers to earn a selection late in the Draft. The Packers love OT to OG conversion projects so picking up Glover made perfect sense.
7th Round (245th Overall) Michael Pratt, QB - Tulane
Measurables/Combine:
6'2, 217lbs
Vert - 36
Broad - 9.6
3 Cone - 7.2
20 - 4.23
RAS - 8.28
Career Notes
Michael Pratt was a cool, calm, and collected leader for the Green Wave for 4 seasons, averaging 25 TDs a year. Pratt has a high-end arm with the ability to place touch passes all over the field. Over his career he broke Tulane's all-time passing record at 9,603 passing yards. He earned 2nd Team All-American Athletic Conference honors his Junior year and stepped up to 1st Team All-American Athletic Conference for his Senior. When Pratt is at his best, he can get the ball out quickly and sell the play action to burn defenses for chunk gains.
Scouting Report
"Highly experienced and a respected team leader, Pratt has shown consistent improvement from season to season. Pratt has done a nice job of making safe decisions instead of reckless ones and throws with touch over all three levels."
"Overall, Pratt is an intriguing signal-caller with the skill set to succeed at the NFL level. He’s a strong athlete with the footwork and processing ability to pump throws all over the field. Offenses that prioritize play-action will value Pratt’s game."
Other Options on the Board
At this point in the Draft, Pratt was actually my personal preferred option. But other options were Maryland QB Taulia Tagovailoa and South Alabama QB Carter Bradley. Michigan WR Cornelius Johnson was also an intriguing luxury pick.
Why they went with Michael Pratt
Brian Gutekunst said he wanted to get back into developing QBs and Pratt is certainly a high-end reserve option for development. Down the line he could definitely be flipped for something more than a 7th Rounder if he pans out.
7th Round (255th Overall) Kalen King, CB - Penn State
Measurables/Combine:
5'11, 191lbs
40 - 4.61
10 - 1.54
Vert - 37
Broad - 10.2
20 - 4.16
RAS - 6.68
Career Notes
Kalen King was on an upward swing with the Nittany Lions, plucking 3 interceptions with 18 passes defended during his Sophomore year in 2022. For the 2023 season, King couldn't stop anything as a Junior; constantly being targeted on intermediate routes and struggling to stay with athletic WRs. Despite his struggles in coverage, King made 3rd Team All-BigTen in 2022 and 2nd Team All-BigTen 2023
Scouting Report
"King is more than capable of tilting 50/50 balls in his favor when he's in position, but finding positioning in man or zone coverages as a pro could be very challenging."
"Overall, King is a highly instinctive corner with scheme versatility that should evolve into an immediate contributor at the next level."
Other Options on the Board
At this stage of the game, luxury picks such as Michigan's Cornelius Johnson(WR), Southern Mississippi's Frank Gore Jr.(RB), and Memphis' Blake Watson(RB), Illinois' Keith Randolph Jr.(DT), Maryland's Beau Brade(SS), and Tulane's Jairus Monroe(CB),
Why they went with Kalen King
It's possible Brian Gutekunst missed having a K.King on the roster wearing #20. But it's likely due to King's previous year where he was a fringe projected 1st Round Pick. As a 7th Rounder, it's a low risk/high reward if Jeff Hafley can rehab him.
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Joseph has been an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers since 1997, citing an affinity for dairy products during his childhood and his favorite color, green. Born in Jacksonville, FL, Joseph currently is an Active Duty servicemember in the U.S. Armed Forces. Joseph considers himself a lifelong fan of the game of football, competing since his youth well into adulthood. When it comes to the Pack, Joseph is particularly impassioned about the NFL Draft and collegiate scouting process, and will contribute regularly on CHTV.com leading to that year's upcoming Draft. You can follow him on Twitter at @joeyreyallday.
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Comments (21)
Alberta_Packer
April 27, 2024 at 08:27 pm
A very Gutekunst draft - especially Day 3. With some predictability, "reaches," surprises, head scratchers, trades and positional targeting. Enjoyed it thoroughly. With my final draft review due in a year or two or three.
Garylporter1962
April 28, 2024 at 06:21 am
In this draft, in the sixth and seventh round. there were no head scratches or reaches. There was a big absence of junior's declaring for the draft because of n. I. L money, a lot of these guys wouldn't have got drafted.
splitpea1
April 27, 2024 at 08:39 pm
Monk is almost a "need" pick with our questionable depth inside, and all that experience is definitely a benefit.
Pratt is the most intriguing selection, an excellent pick-up for the mid-seventh round. If he makes the roster, is he a flipper or a keeper?
Wow, the Packers must have really liked Williams in leapfrogging that many teams. Most scouting reports state that space is his enemy, so hopefully he will turn out to be an exceptional box defender and ST contributor.
Minniman
April 27, 2024 at 09:41 pm
"Wow, the Packers must have really liked Williams in leapfrogging that many teams. "
I may be stating the obvious, but I think that the new kick-off rule changes have everyone wanting to add speed and sure tackling to their return defense squad.
Coldworld
April 28, 2024 at 12:19 pm
Compare Williams strengths and weaknesses and athletic profile to Nixon and you have what appears to be the run capable Hafley slot prototype. I’m guessing that Hafley wanted Williams as the best fitting run support slot candidate to add depth as well as some versatility as S depth.
murf7777
April 28, 2024 at 04:55 pm
Packers have been drafting speed for a while now. Check out our 2024 speed on defense:
Gary 4.58
LVN 4.58
Clark - who cares, he's great
Walker 4.5
Cooper 4.51
Wyatt 4.77
Smith 4.74
Bullard 4.47
Mckinney 4.45
Alexander 4.38
Stokes 4.25
Going to be fun to watch, especially with a DC or wants to play aggressive downhill style.
golfpacker1
April 29, 2024 at 10:38 am
Mason McCormick @ #91 eliminates the need to trade up for Monk. He would have been there @ #168 or #190 that we traded away.
MilkCan44
April 27, 2024 at 11:14 pm
Every year fans read a comment or two about something a player could do better - then they all pile on with opinions that they're going to replace him for sure, even though the coaches have a different evaluation. I see this year it's Josh Myers. I highly doubt Monk will be replacing him unless he gets a much better offer from another team at yearend.
LLCHESTY
April 27, 2024 at 11:49 pm
I wish they would have kept one of the extra picks they got from the Saints to add one more O lineman into the mix and Glover adds another lower end athlete to the end of the bench when there were guys that fit their thresholds still to be had as late day 3 projects.
Oladapo was a bit of a surprise but a nice one, finally some SS size. If he shows enough anticipation and athleticism to occasionally play deep that opens up a lot of options and Bullard could push Nixon to the bench. Liked this pick more than the Williams one but Bullard can play all three spots, Williams can play slot and SS and Oladapo SS and possibly deep in two high. Hopper is only 4 lbs heavier than Oladapo and could end up playing more big nickel than LB. He was the one pick I really didn't like as I thought there were much better options at 91.
Minniman
April 28, 2024 at 02:06 am
"I wish they would have kept one of the extra picks they got from the Saints to add one more O lineman into the mix".
There are now 13 OL players on the roster. It may well be that that they believe that they can turn Andre Dillard around - time will tell on that one.
golfpacker1
April 29, 2024 at 10:42 am
"There are now 13 OL players on the roster. It may well be that that they believe that they can turn Andre Dillard around - time will tell on that one." Yeah, but how many are just bodies who have shown nothing. Dillard needs to have a "Come to Jesus " talk with himself and become 75% of the player he was projected to be.
Glover just adds to the group of huge OTs we have that don't seem to be going anywhere. I hope he proves me wrong.
golfpacker1
April 28, 2024 at 11:12 am
"I wish they would have kept one of the extra picks they got from the Saints to add one more O lineman into the mix and Glover adds another lower end athlete to the end of the bench when there were guys that fit their thresholds still to be had as late day 3 projects."
I agree completely LL. Gute went against what he said earlier about wanting as many picks as possible. Grabbing a better OL than Glover would have been easy to do. We also could have added an Edge in the 6th, Watts & Cole both available.
We were on such a role with those first 4 picks, I was hoping for a tradeback from #91 for and extra 4th & 5th. Then we badly overreached for Hopper. Gray was right there if we wanted LB and his strongest trait isn't just special teams. Followed by the tradeup for Williams that shocked me. 2 players that could have been taken at least a round later.
I am happy with a solid class but the 2 trades up for overreaches on players cost us 3 more good players. Mason McCormick was ours for the taking.
Coldworld
April 28, 2024 at 12:30 pm
Glover, based upon his Senior Bowl measurements has a little higher RAS than the ones cited, which appear to be from the Hula Bowl (20 pounds lighter, longer arms, better vertical). Of course I don’t know which is more accurate (other than the weight loss being independently cited). I’m wondering if in fact Glover isn’t a G in the minds of the Packers anyway though.
Trente Jones is an interesting UDFA OL who seemed always to be a reserve even when playing very well in key games. Donovan they must like to guarantee 100k. I think the difference is neither are freakish builds or athletes and they thought that they therefore had a better chance of grabbing them after. Maybe they were not correct about that with Donovan.
On a separate note, very pleased to see one of my small school sleepers arrive as a UDFA. RB Jarveon Howard is a player I think could have something to offer via the PS.
4.52 second 40,
bench-press 28 times,
vertical jump 36.5 inches
broad jump10 feet and 8 inches.
Has very good, natural hands
Physical, decisive, primarily one-cut running back with contact balance, and break tackle ability who operates inside the tackles primarily but has enough speed to get outside too. Willing and physical blocker as a protector and as a lead blocker in 2 back sets. Will benefit from refining his blocking technique, but good for a small school guy. Very good after the catch yards average.
I see we got a LS, and supposedly the best out there among rookies (Brugler if not CHTV). Good!
TKWorldWide
April 28, 2024 at 07:19 am
I really appreciate your work, Joseph. Thank you!
PackEyedOptimist
April 28, 2024 at 07:32 am
Don't forget the UDFA's! Some pretty intriguing additions...
Here's our current depth chart (positions may vary):
Packers Depth Chart on Offense
Quarterbacks: 10 Jordan Love, 8 Sean Clifford, Michael Pratt, 2 Alex McGough
Running backs: 8 Josh Jacobs, , 32 MarShawn Lloyd, 28 AJ Dillon, 31 Emanuel Wilson, 38 Ellis Merriweather, Jarveon Howard
Receiver: 9 Christian Watson, 80 Bo Melton, 18 Malik Heath, 16 Thyrick Pitts
Receiver: 87 Romeo Doubs, 13 Dontayvion Wicks, Julian Hicks
Slot: 11 Jayden Reed, 83 Samori Toure, 86 Grant DuBose
Tight end: 8 Luke Musgrave, 85 Tucker Kraft, 89 Ben Sims, 82 Joel Wilson, Messiah Swinson
H-Back/Fullback: 84 Tyler Davis, 44 Henry Pearson
Left tackle: 77 Jordan Morgan, 63 Rasheed Walker, 76 Kadeem Telfort
Right tackle: 50 Zach Tom, 73 Andre Dillard, 72 Caleb Jones, 78 Luke Tenuta
Left guard: 74 Elgton Jenkins, Donovan Jennings
Right guard: 75 Sean Rhyan, Travis Glover, 70 Royce Newman, Trente Jones
Center: 71 Josh Myers, Jacob Monk
Packers Depth Chart on Defense
Defensive tackle: 97 Kenny Clark, 93 T.J. Slaton, 99 Jonathan Ford, Deslin Alexandre, Keshawn Banks, James Ester,
Defensive tackle: 95 Devonte Wyatt, 94 Karl Brooks, 96 Colby Wooden. 47 Deandre Johnson, Rodney Matthews
Defensive End: 52 Rashan Gary, 57 Brenton Cox, 98 Kenneth Odumegwu
Defensive End: 91 Preston Smith, 90 Lukas Van Ness, 55 Kingsley Enagbare, 53 Arron Mosby
Inside linebacker: 56 Edgerrin Cooper Isaiah McDuffie, 54 Kristian Welch, Ralen Goforth
Inside linebacker: 7 Quay Walker, 59 Ty’Ron Hopper 45 Eric Wilson,46 Christian Young
Cornerback: 23 Jaire Alexander, 35 Corey Ballentine, Kalen King, 40 Anthony Johnson
Cornerback: Eric Stokes, 37 Carrington Valentine, 22 Robert Rochell, 30 Zyon Gilbert, 41 Gemon Green
Slot: 25 Keisean Nixon,
Safety: 29 Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, 36 Anthony Johnson Jr, 24 Tyler Coyle
Safety: 20 Javon Bullard, Kitan Oladapo ,Benny Sapp, Zayne Anderson,
Packers Depth Chart on Special Teams
Kicker: 17 Anders Carlson, 2 Greg Joseph, 16 Jack Podlesny
Punter: 19 Daniel Whelan
LS 42 Matt Orzech, Peter Bowden
PackEyedOptimist
April 28, 2024 at 08:24 am
What to Caleb Williams and Spencer Rattler have in common? They both played at Oklahoma...with Marshawn Lloyd...and THEN played with Marshawn LLoyd AGAIN after they transferred to Southern Cal and South Carolina (both S.C.) !
Both were top-ranked QBs...the question is, "Were they top-ranked because they were handing the ball off (and throwing to) to Marshawn Lloyd?"
bonus: Lloyd's highlights from his sophomore year at South Carolina with Rattler:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0KSx5t1L60
Minniman
April 28, 2024 at 02:53 pm
He's certainly an intriguing prospect and his measurables seem like a "jacked up" Aaron Jones.
Hopefully he addresses his 3 common criticisms:
1) Ball security
2) Patience to wait for blocks to evolve (a realllly important one for the Packers scheme)
3) Willingness to block (the legacy that Jones left that all RB's will get measured by)
LLCHESTY
April 28, 2024 at 04:53 pm
Lloyd didn't play at Oklahoma. Signed with South Carolina out of high school then transferred to USC.
PackyCheese500
April 28, 2024 at 01:48 pm
Loved the pick of Oladapo, that might have been my favorite of the draft. I was a little puzzled by the Williams pick, as it seemed a little high. I trust Gutey on the O-Line, and the value of Pratt and King was exceptional in the 7th.
Minniman
April 28, 2024 at 03:14 pm
On the Packers website, in the team section, there's a tab called "How Built".... and it's been there for about a decade.
There's no similar page on the Bears, Lions, Vikings team sites.
I mentioned this in a previous post, but the Packers seem to have approached this draft in a methodical "workman-like" fashion - with an emphasis on doubling and tripling down at target positions to ensure that at least someone pans out.
Sure, there weren't too many holes to fill, but there's now spot competition at every position - and that has to be beneficial for both the players individually and the team's prospects.
Bitternotsour
April 28, 2024 at 08:17 pm
Look at the depth chart above, and you get the challenge every starter is facing. There are no guarantees on the Green Bay Packers. Back-up right tackle - a former first rounder. Back-up left tackle, this year's first rounder. Competition on every level, offense and defense. Even the kickers and long snapper are going to feel some heat.
i sense super bowls. plural.