Pros and cons of Green Bay Packers picking Shelby native, Missouri football's Ty'Ron Hopper in 2024 NFL Draft

Ty’Ron Hopper is officially an NFL rookie after being picked by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft.

Here's what Hopper brings to the Packers, based on a college career which saw him play three years at Florida before finishing at Missouri.

What Ty'Ron Hopper brings to Green Bay in 2024 NFL Draft

Hopper’s athleticism certainly caught the eye of NFL scouts, possessing a blend of speed, agility and relentlessness from sideline-to-sideline which has proved particularly beneficial in pass coverage against running backs and tight ends. Along with a non-stop motor, Hopper’s initial burst at the snap allows him to shoot gaps, blow past blockers and make plays on opposing ball carriers.

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Ty'Ron Hopper's strengths, weaknesses at Florida and Missouri football

Hopper had a nose for the football throughout his college career, relying largely on his instincts to quickly read a play and then react. He also put his range on display as a versatile chess piece equally adept in man or zone coverage. Hopper is considered a tad undersized for the position, though, standing 6-foot-2 and 231 pounds. However, in recent years more players — particularly former safeties — have made the transition to linebacker and shown promise despite such perceived limitations.

Hopper’s stats at Florida and Missouri football

2019 (at Florida): 2 tackles.

2020 (at Florida): 15 tackles and 0.5 sacks.

2021 (at Florida): 65 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two passes defensed and a forced fumble.

2022 (at Missouri): 78 tackles, 2.5 sacks, an interception, five passes defensed and a forced fumble.

2023 (at Missouri): 55 tackles, three sacks and three passes defensed.

Ty’Ron Hopper’s potential in NFL

Though his size is a concern, his athleticism and play-making ability more than make up for such going into the NFL Draft. Hopper may begin as a special teams contributor while steadily developing into a three-down linebacker.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Green Bay Packers draft Shelby native Ty'Ron Hopper in 2024 NFL Draft