Since Brian Gutekunst became the general manager in 2018, the vast majority of Green Bay Packers' first-round picks have been spent on defensive players — the only exception is quarterback Jordan Love, in 2020. That trend might continue in 2024.
At least, that's the impression after a report from Albert Breer, from Sports Illustrated. According to the NFL insider, linebacker Edgerrin Cooper is a potential first-round pick, and the Packers are a possibility.
The team also considers, according to Breer, several other defensive players with the 25th overall pick. Check out what Breer wrote hours before the draft:
"Two surprise first-rounders? One could be Washington tackle Roger Rosengarten, who could be in play for San Francisco at 31 or Kansas City at 32. Another would be Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who I think could be in the mix with guys such as Illinois DT Johnny Newton, Missouri DE Darius Robinson, Penn State DE Chop Robinson or Iowa DB Cooper DeJean for the Packers at 25."
That's interesting because there are five players from different positions, but all of them are defenders.
Defensive back Cooper DeJean is probably the pick that makes the most sense, since he has a valuable ceiling as a boundary cornerback, but also a decent floor as a safety — which is a position of need for Green Bay. However, recent reports indicate he might not be there at 25.
Linebacker is a questionable position to select so early considering positional value and that Cooper is not generally seen as a first-round prospect. He's the 44th player on the consensus big board , for example. In 2022, the Packers executed a similar reach to take Quay Walker, and results haven't been good.
Edge defender is not a pressing need, even though depth could be a consideration because Kingsley Enagbare tore his ACL in January. Darius Robinson and Chop Robinson would be options to enter the roster behind Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, and Lukas Van Ness.
Defensive tackle Johnny Newton is an interesting option, because Kenny Clark is in the last year of his deal, which could potentially open a long-term need there.
Since taking over in 2018, Gutekunst has drafted cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes, edge defenders Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness, safety Darnell Savage, linebacker Quay Walker, and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt in the first round. Outside of Jordan Love, the highest pick Gutekunst has spent on offense is wide receiver Christian Watson, who was the 34th overall pick in 2022.
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