After hitting on several draft picks in the previous two classes, Brian Gutekunst and the Packers enter 2024 with only a few glaring holes. The team has plenty of picks and should be taking and making calls for trades. These are Green Bay’s top draft needs.
Top Green Bay Packers NFL Draft Needs
Secondary
Whether it’s a top cornerback or safety, the Packers could use a versatile defender to add to their secondary. Both Corey Ballentine and Keisean Nixon were re-signed, but they were thrown into the fire last season after injuries hit the secondary. Neither player should be looked at as a long-term solution at cornerback. The Packers signed Xavier McKinney to a big contract and he looks to be a building block for this defense going forward. However, the team needs an infusion of young players on the back end, especially at safety.
A player like Cooper DeJean stands out as an excellent fit, given his ability to play multiple roles in the secondary and elite ball skills. DeJean, though, might be gone by the time Green Bay is on the clock at pick 25. His versatility makes him a player that could be worth trading up for, especially given how much extra capital the team possesses. Gutekunst also has said how valuable versatility is for Jeff Hafley’s new defense. Another player that the team could target is Kool-Aid McKinstry, who could be available at pick 25. McKinstry would give the team a smart, experienced player who has position versatility in the secondary.
Offensive Line
Even though the team withstood injuries at the position last season, they could stand to add depth. Green Bay’s offensive line took a turn in the second half of last season, and shows signs of promise, even after losing Yosh Nijman, David Bahktiari, and John Runyan Jr. As one of the better teams in the league at identifying and developing late-round talent in the draft, the Packers could be patient.
But with plenty of draft capital, the Packers could be aggressive and target a top player like Graham Barton, who has been receiving a lot of buzz leading up to the draft. If they stay pat in the first round, Green Bay could target a player like Troy Fautanu. The Packers love position versatility from their offensive linemen and both Fautanu and Barton exemplify that trait.
Linebacker
This position has become slightly devalued over the years, especially in the draft. The 2024 class doesn’t have a truly elite prospect at the position, which means it’s likely the first linebacker won’t be drafted until day two.
Even still, Green Bay has a glaring hole at linebacker. De’Vondre Campbell is gone and Quay Walker needs a running mate. The team could get creative and package picks to move back into the first round if a linebacker they like is available. One player that stands out is Payton Wilson. The Packers typically shy away from players with injury concerns, and Wilson’s medicals could keep him off their board. But Wilson has the potential to start right away and contribute, and he could flourish in Jeff Hafley’s attacking defense.
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