Packers’ rotational starters earn spots on PFWA’s 2024 All-Rookie team…

The Pro Football Writers of America revealed their annual All-Rookie team on Tuesday, with two Green Bay Packers players making the 2024 list: linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and safety Evan Williams. The only team with more representation than the Packers was the Los Angeles Rams.

Charean Williams, a former PFWA president and active Hall of Fame voter, tweeted that if Cooper hadn’t missed three games due to injury, he likely would have been named the Packers’ defensive rookie of the year, a title that ultimately went to Rams first-round edge rusher Jared Verse. In 14 games, Cooper recorded 87 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 4 pass breakups, a fumble recovery, and an interception, despite starting just 4 games. He logged 491 defensive snaps, ranking 12th on the 2024 Packers.

Williams, who played 474 snaps in his rookie season, was right behind Cooper in snap count. Initially, second-round rookie Javon Bullard, who led the team in defensive snaps, was the starting safety in base formations. Williams entered games in nickel packages, when Bullard would move to the nickel position. However, Williams eventually surpassed Bullard and earned a full-time role, pushing Bullard to a reduced role. In 2024, Williams played 13 games, starting 6, and recorded 49 total tackles, 3 pass deflections, an interception, a forced fumble, and a tackle for loss.

Bullard might have had a chance at making the All-Rookie team as a safety, but Williams and Houston Texans safety Calen Bullock had strong rookie seasons. The Packers’ other third-round picks, running back MarShawn Lloyd and linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper, didn’t make much of an impact this year, with Lloyd struggling due to injuries. Green Bay’s first-round pick, offensive lineman Jordan Morgan, was also placed on injured reserve to end the season. Combined, Lloyd, Hopper, and Morgan played only 214 offensive and defensive snaps as rookies, while Bullard alone played 786 defensive snaps in 2024.