Ty’Ron Hopper wrapped up his 23rd birthday with an extraordinary gift: hearing his name called during the 2024 NFL Draft. Selected 91st overall by the Green Bay Packers, the former standout from the Missouri Tigers shared that he had a sense he might land in Green Bay after engaging in initial discussions with the team during the pre-draft process.
“Based on the conversations I had with Green Bay, I could tell they were really interested, and I had a feeling they might be the team I ended up with,” Hopper shared during a Zoom interview on Friday night.
“As for my role, we didn’t discuss that much, but I’m prepared to take on whatever role they need me to fulfill.”
Hopper described receiving the call from Green Bay executives while surrounded by his family on Friday evening as a surreal experience. “It was chaotic,” Hopper recounted the reactions.
“Everyone started cheering and yelling, and I just felt overwhelmed, like I was sweating.” “I can’t even put it into words. It’s one of the best moments of my life. And on my birthday, it doesn’t get any better than that.”
Hopper, who initially played at Florida for three seasons before transferring to Mizzou, opted to return to Columbia for his senior year—a decision that proved beneficial for the Tigers. He emerged as a defensive leader, tallying 55 tackles in 10 games last fall before being sidelined by an injury. “I feel like all the hard work paid off,” he reflected.
“Returning last year and focusing on my game, addressing areas I needed to improve from the previous season, meant a lot to me, and it’s rewarding to be here tonight.” Hopper joins defensive lineman Darius Robinson (Arizona Cardinals, 27th overall in Round 1) and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (Detroit Lions, 61st overall) as NFL-bound Tigers from the 11-win team of the previous season.
Scoring a 5.94 prospect grade in this year’s NFL Combine, Hopper falls into the “average backup or special-teamer” category according to the NFL’s evaluation system. NFL Analyst Lance Zierlein assessed Hopper’s strengths and weaknesses, stating,
“Hopper, an off-ball linebacker with length, speed, and agility, lacks field vision and instincts. He can be slow to read play design and occasionally struggles in coverage.
However, Hopper possesses sideline-to-sideline range and physicality, making impactful hits. While there are areas for improvement, his traits warrant consideration as an NFL backup with special teams potential.”
