Packers draft another defensive player from Georgia, and it makes total sense
The Green Bay Packers entered the draft with two second-round picks. After moving down and taking off-ball linebacker Edgerrin Cooper earlier, the team used their original second-round selection, pick 58, to select Georgia safety Javon Bullard. Green Bay has drafted several defensive players from the Bulldogs over the last few years, including Eric Stokes, Quay […]
The Green Bay Packers entered the draft with two second-round picks. After moving down and taking off-ball linebacker Edgerrin Cooper earlier, the team used their original second-round selection, pick 58, to select Georgia safety Javon Bullard.
Green Bay has drafted several defensive players from the Bulldogs over the last few years, including Eric Stokes, Quay Walker, and Devonte Wyatt.
Bullard is slightly undersized for the position, but he’s very athletic and a hard-hitting defensive back, which seems to be an ideal complement to Xavier McKinney, the big free agent addition of the offseason.
Javon Bullard is the 59th player on the consensus board, so the value of the pick is completely adequate.
Draft profile (Rob Gregson)
Pros
- Trigger
Excellent when playing downhill. Looks like he’s shot out of a cannon and brings every square inch with him - Hip Turns
Fluid mover who can zone or speed turn to close cushions and cancel potential passing windows - FBI
Instinctual player who has also received high-level coaching. Evident in his play recognition
Cons
- Hesitation
Questions himself at times almost getting lost in space while playing a tick behind - Pursuit angles
Aggression can cause him to over-pursue or fail to wrap up at the point of contact - Coverage technique
Could use some better press technique in terms of hand usage and footwork when playing the nickel
Evaluation
Bullard is a decorated defensive back who plays with an innate feel for the game and big play potential.
His burst on the football, click and close ability, and ball skills will have teams excited to use his skillset in a variety of deployments in the NFL
Floor Comp: Darnell Savage
Movable piece that is best in the high post thanks to his instincts and ball skills
Ceiling Comp: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
Energetic and versatile safety who makes plays on the ball and hits with authority
Position of need
The Packers had added Xavier McKinney in free agency and they value his versatility, but there was still a clear need for another starting safety. Maybe they could bank on Anthony Johnson's Jr. development, but that was a stretch.
Green Bay had not taken a safety in the top 100 of the draft since getting Darnell Savage in the first round in 2019, but that sequence is finally over.
Packers attack a huge need after moving down in the second round
Green Bay had acquired the 41st pick from the Jets and traded back
