With the 2024 NFL Draft a little over a month away, the Green Bay Packers have to tackle free agency before they can look to add via the draft. With 11 total picks to their name, general manager Brian Gutekunst has a lot of ammo on his side to upgrade the roster.
Bringing in Jeff Hafley as the new defensive coordinator likely means there will be plenty of focus paid to the defense in the draft, likely in the secondary. Offensively, running back and offensive line are the likely targets, with a potential to add another strong receiver prospect if the board falls the right way.
Below is a three-round mock for Green Bay – do you agree with the direction the Packers go here?
1.25 – Graham Barton – IOL (Duke)
For the longest time, Green Bay has consistently drafted with a ‘best player available’ approach, helping take advantage of players that fell further than expected. While adding an offensive lineman is always a top prerogative for Gutekunst, it may not be seen as a first-round issue that needs addressing.
The interior of the OL is what needs the most help, as Jon Runyan enters free agency and a need to find a better guard was already there. Duke’s Graham Barton, who has the ability to play all five spots, would be a plug-and-play starter right out of the gate if Runyan doesn’t return, solidifying an already above-average OL unit in the league.
2.41 – Tyler Nubin, S (Minnesota)
Having two second-round selections at their disposal opens up a ton of potential directions for the Packers in April’s draft, as their first pick of day two comes via the Aaron Rodgers trade. With the free agent class robust with a ton of veteran value, it wouldn’t be shocking to see an addition from that group made in free agency and in the draft.
Tyler Nubin is one of the best true safeties in the draft, as his fluid movements stand out on tape. With Green Bay already having met with Nubin, there is mutual interest already established, making it likely that the Packers add the former Golden Gophers safety.
2.58 – Edgerrin Cooper, LB (Texas A&M)
Sticking to the defensive side of the ball, Green Bay needs to find more talent at linebacker this offseason, and Edgerrin Cooper fits that mold. An athletic linebacker in a weak class, Cooper would pair well alongside Quay Walker, helping give Hafley another element to his new defense.
News of De’Vondre Campbell being released once the new league year begins March 13th opens up an even bigger need for an early draft pick spent on a LB, and the free agent group could see Green Bay become a player as well.
3.88 – Jonathon Brooks, RB (Texas)
AJ Dillon is likely heading elsewhere this offseason, and the future of Aaron Jones is a bit up in the air as well. With Jones predicted to remain in Titletown, he will need a compliment, which is where Jonathon Brooks comes in.
The former Texas Longhorn who backed up Bijan Robinson finally got his chance to shine as the lead back, and with no bonafide RB1 in this year’s draft class, Brooks has a ton of value, both in Year One and beyond.
3.91 – Cam Hart, CB (Notre Dame)
The final pick of our three-round mock draft heads back to the defense, as the Packers need to find more talent at cornerback. With Jaire Alexander seemingly remaining on the team moving forward, question marks about Eric Stokes’ health, and Keisean Nixon hitting free agency, adding a guy like Cam Hart would be doing this position group a solid.
It’s very possible that Hart isn’t available at this point of the draft, as his draft stock has been steadily rising since the Senior Bowl. But with how things currently stand, Hart joins a talented group of CBs in Green Bay and bring a sense of physicality and verticality to the room.
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