Draft Analyst Proposes Packers' Trade In Latest Mock

Reuter had the Packers trading up to pick No. 19—owned by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—to select Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams. In the deal, Green Bay and Tampa Bay swapped picks 19 and 23, with the Packers also sending a third-round pick to the Bucs in exchange for a fifth-rounder.

Green Bay has a recent record of trading up in the first round. They moved up in 2018 to select Jaire Alexander, did it again in 2019 to draft Darnell Savage, and traded up in 2020 to take Jordan Love. The Packers also have a history of targeting Georgia Bulldogs early in the draft. In 2022, Brian Gutekunst used his first-round picks on Georgia defenders—Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt. More recently, he selected safety Javon Bullard in the second round of the 2024 draft.

The Packers need help along the defensive line. They ranked 26th in pass rush win rate in 2024 and finished with 45 total sacks—but 20 of those came in just three games. There were flashes of the pass rush taking a step forward, but inconsistency was a recurring issue for the defensive line.

Green Bay could be a major player for a defensive lineman early in the draft. Mykel Williams will be just 20 years old by the time the draft takes place, and he fits the physical mold the Packers typically look for. Every edge rusher and outside linebacker Green Bay has drafted this century weighed at least 255 pounds—and with Williams listed at 265 on ESPN, he checks that box.

Seven of Brian Gutekunst’s nine first-round picks have been defensive players, and with needs at defensive line and cornerback, the Packers will likely look to strengthen their defense early in the draft.