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NFL Draft Q&A: Green Bay Packers intel, needs and more
The 2024 NFL Draft, hosted in Detroit, begins on April 25. The Green Bay Packers, the youngest team in the NFL last season, aim to bolster their promising core further through the draft, beginning with the 25th overall pick.
In preparation for the draft, we're answering some of the biggest questions pertaining to the Packers.
What venue will the draft be held at, and who will televise the event?
The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in downtown Detroit, surrounding Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. ABC, ESPN and NFL Network will televise the event, which can be streamed on platforms such as NFL+, Hulu + Live TV and Fubo.
Additionally, six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Belichick will co-host "The Pat McAfee Show Draft Spectacular" on ESPN+ and YouTube during the first round.
The opening round of the 2024 NFL Draft starts on April 25 at 8 p.m. ET, with rounds two and three beginning on April 26 at 7 p.m. ET. The fourth through seventh rounds will be held on April 27 at noon ET.
How has the Packers' offseason unfolded so far?
Green Bay saw guard Jon Runyan Jr. sign with the Giants this offseason and released fan favorites RB Aaron Jones and former All-Pro OT David Bakhtiari. While all three will be missed, it opened the door for the Packers to be surprisingly big spenders in free agency. Among its most notable additions, Green Bay signed ex-Giants safety Xavier McKinney — who played every defensive snap last season — and former NFL rushing leader Josh Jacobs to four-year deals.
How many picks do the Packers have?
Due to several trades dating back to the deal that sent QB Aaron Rodgers to the Jets last offseason, the Packers own 11 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, tied for the most among teams. Here is a full list of Green Bay's draft picks:
- Round 1: No. 25 overall
- Round 2: Nos. 41 and 58
- Round 3: Nos. 88 and 91
- Round 4: No. 126
- Round 5: No. 169
- Round 6: Nos. 202 and 219
- Round 7: Nos. 245 and 255
What are the Packers' biggest positional needs entering the draft?
Offensive line, cornerback and linebacker.
As mentioned, the Packers will need to draft at least two offensive linemen who can compete for starting roles after Runyan and Bakhtiari's departures. However, Green Bay must add a cornerback to play opposite Jaire Alexander because 2021 first-rounder Eric Stokes has played just 12 games over the past two seasons.
Linebacker will be a position to address relatively early, considering De'Vondre Campbell was released earlier this offseason and the team is switching to a 4-3 defense under new DC Jeff Hafley.
Who could the Packers target in the first round?
Georgia OT Amarius Mims: Despite making just eight starts in three seasons at Georgia, Mims' massive 6-foot-8, 340-pound frame and solid technique make him perhaps the most intriguing O-line prospect projected to be selected in the first round. His lack of experience could result in a difficult transition to the NFL, but Mims was dominant when he was on the field for the Bulldogs. Across his 402 career pass-blocking snaps, Mims didn't allow a sack and gave up just six total pressures.
Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry: Aside from having the best name in the draft, McKinstry — a first-team All-American last season — is one of the top cornerbacks in this year's class who has upside as a return man. Over his final two seasons at Alabama, McKinstry collected 67 tackles, one sack, 22 pass breakups and one interception. According to Pro Football Focus, McKinstry's 88.8 defensive grade in 2023 is the fourth-highest among draft-eligible cornerbacks.
Which prospects could be in play for the Packers later in the draft?
Texas A&M LB Edgerrin Cooper: There's no guarantee that Cooper, who the Packers hosted on a top-30 visit, will be available at pick 41, though if he is, it'd be difficult to pass on him. Not only did Cooper statistically improve in each of his four seasons at Texas A&M, but he established himself as one of the most productive linebackers in the country in 2023. In 12 games last season, Cooper finished with a team-leading 84 tackles, 17 for loss (the most in the SEC) and eight sacks.
Michigan OL Zak Zinter: The former Wolverines team captain is a projected fourth-round pick and could prove to be one of the draft's biggest steals. Zinter, a four-year starter at right guard, played in 12 games last season before breaking his tibia and fibula, which has caused his draft stock to plummet. Even so, before his injury, Zinter only allowed five total pressures and didn't surrender a sack.
More must-reads:
- New mock predicts Packers could land biggest steal of NFL Draft
- Packers make important roster move just days before 2024 NFL Draft
- The 'Most 100-yard rushing games in the playoffs' quiz
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