A pair of rookie safeties head the list of underrated Green Bay Packers sleepers who could break out in the 2024 NFL season.

The Packers didn't have to spend huge draft capital on Javon Bullard (Georgia) and Kitan Oladapo (Oregon State). The Packers snagged Bullard with their second second-round pick and reeled in Oladapo in the fifth round.

But these players have a chance to make quick contributions for a defensive unit that will likely be the key to a big season. The Packers are set on offense. Therefore, the ability to slow their opponents would give them a chance to make plenty of postseason noise.

Packers' safety Javon Bullard has difference-maker qualities

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Green Bay exited the 2023 season with a big question mark at the safety position.

Signing Xavier McKinney solved part of that issue. The Packers wanted to draft a nickel-capable safety to pair with the prized free agent. And Bullard brings that to the table, having played slot corner and split safety with the Bulldogs.

Bullard, who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 198 pounds, is on the small side for an NFL safety. But he plays bigger and isn't afraid to stick his nose into the mix. Plus, his smaller frame gives him the agility to be a better coverage defender.

Another thing working in Bullard's favor is his big-game tenacity. He has leadership qualities that may have been lacking from the Packers' defense in 2023.

Mel Kiper was extremely high on Bullard, tabbing him as the top safety on the board. Kiper told SI.com, “Bullard's value comes in his versatility, as he played as a slot corner, center fielder and up near the line of scrimmage … I love his all-around game and instincts in coverage.”

Already, the Packers are tabbing Bullard as a potential starter alongside McKinney.

Kitan Oladapo brings needed size to the Packers' secondary mix

Where Bullard leaves off, Oladapo picks up.

Standing 6-2 and weighing in at 216 pounds, Oladapo has the physical profile to stuff the opposing team's run game. He was an elite player against the run for Oregon State, and will likely spend his NFL days in the box.

It's interesting to note the Packers took Evan Williams out of Oregon one round and 58 overall picks ahead of Oladapo. But Williams doesn't project as the type of run defender Oladapo can be.

When the Packers face teams that want to be physical with their ground game, don't be surprised if they insert Oladapo into the starting lineup.

At the forefront of that mix is San Francisco. While the 49ers aren't in the Packers' division, they figure to be the team standing in everybody's way for the NFC's spot in the Super Bowl. Physical against physical, Oladapo's overall game is well suited to battle the 49ers.

A division opponent where Oladapo will come in handy is Detroit. The Lions love to play power with their running attack.

An argument can be made that Oladapo is one of the most important pieces to completing the 2024 success puzzle, even though the Packers grabbed seven other players before they called his name.