Ten Things We Learned from Day One of the Green Bay Packers 2024 NFL Draft

The Green Bay Packers kept the 25^th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and used it on offensive lineman Jordan Morgan out of Arizona. Morgan started at left tackle in college, but many scouts projected him as a guard in the NFL.

Here are ten things we learned from the first day of the Packers 2024 NFL Draft:

Ten Things We Learned from Day One of the Packers 2024 NFL Draft, Number One: Offensive Line is the Priority

The Packers had many needs heading into the draft, but GM Brian Gutekunst decided to address the offensive line first.

The Packers lost starting right guard Jon Runyan, Jr. as a free agent along with swing tackle Yosh Nijman and veteran David Bakhtiari. That means the team had a need both at tackle and at guard and a need for depth all around.

Gutekunst didn’t feel he had to trade up as there were runs on both quarterbacks and wide receivers, two positions the Packers were unlikely to select in the first round because they don’t have an immediate need at either position.

Once the Packers were on the board, they were quick to make their choice and snag Morgan.

Number Two: Jordan Morgan Can Play Tackle or Guard

One thing the Packers like when selecting offensive linemen is positional versatility. Their two best linemen last season, Elgton Jenkins and Zach Tom, are both capable of playing all five positions along the line.

The Packers also like to draft college tackles and move them inside to guard. Morgan fits both descriptions. He does not have experience at center but can play either guard or tackle position in a pinch.

This helps head coach Matt LaFleur put the best five players on the field as his starting offensive linemen since so many players on the team can play multiple positions.

Ten Things We Learned from Day One of the Packers 2024 NFL Draft, Number Three: Morgan Is Athletic

Another trait the Packers emphasize, especially in the early rounds of the draft, is RAS or relative athletic score. Morgan graded out at a 9.10 as a tackle and would probably grade out slightly higher as a guard.

The Packers prefer to select natural athletes and then feel confident the coaching staff can teach them proper technique and help them develop into great football players.

Morgan again fits that bill. Despite being a fifth-year senior in 2023, he is still only 22 and won’t turn 23 until August.

Number Four: Morgan Rarely Gave Up Sacks in College

Morgan rarely gave up sacks in college despite almost always being on an island at left tackle. In his last 24 starts, he allowed only three sacks and three quarterback hits at Arizona.

While scouts believe Morgan needs to add some more upper body strength to truly excel in the NFL, his technique at pass blocking and zone run blocking is strong and he has an excellent work ethic as well.

Morgan worked hard in college and put on 60 pounds during his five years in college. There is no doubt he will be dedicated to making himself the best player he can be as a pro.

Ten Things We Learned from Day One of the Packers 2024 NFL Draft, Number Five: Morgan Overcame a Major Injury

Morgan suffered a season-ending ACL injury late in the 2022 season which forced him to miss the final two games of the season.

He worked hard and rehabbed the injury so that he was able to play in the season opener in 2023 and started every game that season.

Morgan also showed leadership in college and was named a captain at Arizona (yes, he’s Captain Morgan). His father is a policeman, and he learned a lot about leadership and responsibility from him. The rookie should be a good fit in the Packers locker room.

Number Six: Morgan Played Both Ways in High School and Played Two Sports

In high school, Morgan started out as a quarterback and tight end before his big growth spurt landed him on both the offensive and defensive lines. He earned All-State honors and twice helped his school reach the state playoffs.

Football wasn’t the only sport Morgan played in high school. He also lettered at track and went to the state finals as a senior. He excelled at the shot put and the javelin.

Ten Things We Learned from Day One of the Packers 2024 NFL Draft, Number Seven: Morgan Is a Horror Movie Fan

Morgan enjoys horror movies. He has tattoos of horror icons Pennywise, Freddy Krueger, and Michael Myers to prove it.

Number Eight: This Is the First Offensive Lineman the Packers Have Taken in the First Round in a Long Time

This was the first time in a long time the Packers selected an offensive lineman in the first round of the draft. The last time it happened was 2011 when the Pack selected Derek Sherrod with the 32^nd overall pick. Unfortunately, injuries ended Sherrod’s career prematurely and he never had the chance to fully realize his potential.

The only other offensive player Gutekunst has drafted since becoming Packers GM is starting quarterback Jordan Love in 2020.

Ten Things We Learned from Day One of the Packers 2024 NFL Draft, Number Nine: Cooper DeJean Was Still on the Board

One player many draft experts thought would be a perfect fit for the Packers at 25 was defensive back Cooper DeJean. In fact, many mock drafts had DeJean going well before the 25^th pick in round one.

Well, no team selected DeJean in the first round and the Iowa DB remains on the board as of now. It is highly doubtful he would last until the 41^st overall pick on Friday, which is the ninth pick in the second round.

Number 10: The Packers Still Have Four Picks on Day Two

The Packers still have several needs to fill on day two of the draft and they have four picks to do fill them with. That includes two picks in the second round and two more in the third.

Safety, linebacker, and cornerback remain top priorities on defense. Depth at edge rusher also remains a need.

On offense, the team needs more offensive linemen and some depth at running back. An H-back/fullback is another need although the team is more likely to find players at that position on day three.

Gutekunst has the ammunition to trade up if there’s a player he really wants to take, or he could still trade back and add more picks. Friday should be a very eventful and interesting day for the Packers.