Former Tulane Star Faces Challenging Task with Green Bay Packers
A former Tulane Green Wave football standout has some work ahead of him with the Green Bay Packers during training camp.
The 2024 NFL Draft didn’t unfold as expected for Tulane Green Wave quarterback Michael Pratt. Leading up to the draft, many analysts predicted that Pratt would be selected early on Day 3, likely in the fourth or fifth round.
Seen as a promising developmental prospect, Pratt was viewed as someone who could eventually become a high-end backup quarterback in the NFL, though he would need time to refine his skills.
As Day 3 commenced, Pratt waited for his name to be called. However, the fourth round passed without a call, followed by the fifth, and then the sixth round.
With the draft winding down, Pratt likely started preparing to sign as an undrafted free agent, searching for a team that would be a good fit. But then, with the No. 245 overall pick, the Green Bay Packers selected him.
Although falling down the draft board wasn’t ideal, the Packers represent a solid landing spot for the Tulane product.
Green Bay has a strong history of developing quarterbacks, with Jordan Love being only their third main starter since 1992, following Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers.
Pratt won’t be competing with Love for the starting role, but he does have a chance to secure a spot on the 53-man roster. He will be vying with Sean Clifford, a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and last season’s backup, for the No. 2 quarterback position.
Pratt avoided an early release after veteran quarterback Jacob Eason was cut earlier this week. While it’s unlikely the Packers would give up on a seventh-round pick so soon after selecting him, staying on the roster is a positive sign.
However, the 2023 AAC Player of the Year faces a tough challenge.
On the team’s first unofficial depth chart of 2024, Pratt is listed as the third-string quarterback. Nonetheless, an update from Zach Kruse of Packers Wire offers some hope for the Green Wave standout.
“Pratt had a few nice moments during Family Night, but Clifford — who has thrown a bunch of interceptions in camp — is still the clear No. 2,” Kruse wrote.
If Clifford continues to struggle with turnovers in practice, his grip on the No. 2 spot could weaken. Preseason games will be crucial for Pratt to demonstrate his abilities, as he’ll have plenty of snaps available.
With Love expected to see limited action in the exhibition games, both Pratt and Clifford will have ample opportunities to compete. This is shaping up to be one of the most significant training camp battles in Green Bay as the season approaches.
