Five Packers Veterans Who Will Be Fighting for Jobs After the 2024 NFL Draft

The Green Bay Packers added 11 players in the 2024 NFL Draft and addressed many of the team’s needs. But of course, as is true in any draft, the new players will be challenging returning players for either starting positions or roster spots. Keep in mind, the players on this list may or may not lose their roster spots. However, their roles on the team and their playing time may be significantly reduced because of the players the team drafted this season. Here are five players who will be fighting for jobs this season after the Packers 2024 NFL Draft:

Packers Who Will Be Fighting for Jobs After the 2024 NFL Draft, Number Five:  LS Matt Orzech

While the Packers didn’t draft a long snapper, they did sign undrafted free agent Peter Bowden. The Wisconsin alum has a good chance of winning the job from Matt Orzech, who was inconsistent last season at the long snapper position.

Orzech played in all 17 games for the Packers last season. The 29-year-old Azusa Pacific alum played his first season for the Packers in 2023 after spending one year with the Jaguars and two with the Los Angeles Rams.

Number Four:  C Josh Myers

While center Josh Myers is not likely to be cut, he will be fighting for a starting job. The Packers drafted three interior offensive linemen this year in the draft. They also have the option of moving starting right tackle Zach Tom to center which many consider his best position.

Myers is entering the final year of his rookie contract which should give him plenty of incentive to have a strong season.

The Ohio State product never lived up to his status as a second-round draft pick. Myers needs to improve his run blocking and his consistency overall. The coaching staff likes the leadership Myers brings to the table, but he will have to prove he deserves to remain in the starting lineup. He also needs to prove he deserves a second contract.

Packers Who Will Be Fighting for Jobs After the 2024 NFL Draft: Number Three, OT Rasheed Walker

Rasheed Walker took over as the Packers starting left tackle in Week 2 after David Bakhtiari was lost for the season. Walker had an inconsistent start as he struggled to adjust to stunts and inside moves. But he played better as the season progressed. By the end of the year, the former Penn State star was doing a good job protecting Jordan Love’s blindside.

However, the Packers selected offensive lineman Jordan Morgan in the first round of this year’s draft. Morgan played left tackle in college. While some scouts believe he projects as a guard in the NFL, the Packers coaching staff said he will first get a look at left tackle.

If Morgan wins the left tackle job, Walker could move to right tackle if Tom moves inside, or he could become the next swing tackle. Either way, Walker will have to fight for a spot in the Packers top five along the offensive line.

Number Two: G Royce Newman

Royce Newman earned a starting job as a rookie back in 2021. Unfortunately, the former fourth-round pick out of Ole’ Miss struggled to pick up stunts and blitzes and the Packers eventually replaced him.

He has started a total of eight games over the last two seasons. Almost every time he was inserted into the lineup, Newman struggled in both pass protection and blocking for the run.

GM Brian Gutekunst added three offensive linemen in the draft including Morgan, Jacob Monk, and Travis Glover. All three are capable of playing guard.

With this influx of interior linemen plus the presence of Sean Rhyan, Newman will be fighting for a roster spot.

Packers Who Will Be Fighting for Jobs After the 2024 NFL Draft: Number One, RB A.J. Dillon

A.J. Dillon has already had an offseason full of unexpected events. His rookie contract expired, and most people expected the former Boston College star to sign elsewhere. Meanwhile, starting running back Aaron Jones was expected to re-sign with the team.

Instead, Jones signed with the Vikings, Dillon re-signed with a team-friendly deal and the Packers added Josh Jacobs as a free agent.

The Packers also drafted running back MarShawn Lloyd in the third round to compete for playing time along with returning second-year man Emanuel Wilson.

Dillon may compete for a spot at H-back/fullback. He could also try to stick on the roster as a backup running back, but he is in a fight for his job.