As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches — the draft kicks off Thursday night and runs through Saturday — the Green Bay Packers are in a position of strength and opportunity. Led by general manager Brian Gutekunst, the team aims to build upon recent successes and address depth issues to solidify their contender status in the league.
Team overview: Under Gutekunst’s leadership, the Packers made strategic moves in free agency, securing safety Xavier McKinney, and acquiring All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs. These acquisitions, combined with a talented young roster led by starting quarterback Jordan Love, underscore the team’s commitment to reclaiming the NFC North and contending for a Super Bowl.
Defensive outlook: The Packers enter the draft with significant changes on the defensive side of the ball, notably the arrival of new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Hafley brings a new single-high safety 4-3 or 4-2-5 Nickel scheme, emphasizing more press-man coverage and an attacking style of defense. Adding depth at linebacker and safety following key departures is essential to ensure Hafley’s new defensive scheme can thrive.
Draft needs and targets: With 11 draft picks, including five within the top 100 selections, the Packers have ample opportunities to strengthen their team. Here are some key players to watch in different rounds of the draft:
- Round 1: OT Taliese Fuaga, LB Laiatu Latu, DL Byron Murphy II, EDGE Chop Robinson, LB, DB Cooper DeJean, OL Graham Barton, CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, DL Jer’Zhan Newton, OT JC Latham, OT Amarius Mims, CB Quinyon Mitchell, EDGE Jared Verse, OT Tyler Guyton, WR Brian Thomas Jr. and CB Nate Wiggins.
- Rounds 2-4: LB Edgerrin Cooper, WR Xavier Legette, LB Tevin Wallace, S Jaden Hicks, S Cole Bishop, LB Peyton Wilson, S Tyler Nubin, RB Marshawn Lloyd, S Kamren Kinchens, OT Jordan Morgan, WR Rickey Pearsall, OL Zach Frazier, WR Keon Coleman, EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, RB Jonathan Brooks, WR Adonei Mitchell, RB Jaylen Wright, CB Max Melton, RB Trey Benson, OG Dominick Puni, DL Michael Hall Jr., OG Cooper Beebe, WR Jalen McMiIlan, EDGE Bralen Trice, RB Braelon Allen, DL Maason Smith, OT Patrick Paul, DL Kris Jenkins, LB Junior Colson, OT Javon Foster, LB Cedric Gray and WR Devontez Walker.
- Rounds 5-7: LB Marist Liufau, S Sioni Vaki, RB Ray Davis, LB Tommy Eichenberg, S Tykee Smith, S Beau Brade, RB Isaac Guerendo, DL Khristian Boyd, C Zak Zinter, QB Joe Milton III, C Hunter Nourzad, S Kitan Oladapo, DL Gabe Hall, LB Aaron Casey, WR Brenden Rice, RB Audric Estime, TE Ben Sinnott, EDGE Adisi Isaac, WR Javon Baker, EDGE Brennan Jackson, TE Jaheim Bell, S Evan Williams, and P Tory Taylor.
Offensive line prospects to watch closely: Graham Barton, Tyler Guyton, Roger Rosengarten, Jordan Morgan, Cooper Beebe, Brandon Coleman, Dominick Puni, Tanor Bortolini, and Blake Fisher are potential targets in various rounds to address offensive line needs.
Deep sleepers: Dive into prospects like RB Dylan Laube, RB Tyrone Tracy, S Trey Taylor, TE Tip Reiman, LB Omar Speights, RB Rasheen Ali, RB Kimani Vidal, OT Tylan Grable, EDGE Gabriel Murphy, WR David White Jr., TE Brevyn Spann-Ford, OG Dylan McMahon, OC Kingsley Eguakun, and for potential hidden gems.
My guys: Watch out for Cooper DeJean, Graham Barton, Tyler Guyton, Edgerrin Cooper, Xavier Legette, Tevin Wallace, Jaden Hicks, Cole Bishop, Marshawn Lloyd, Rickey Pearsall, Jaylen Wright, Cooper Beebe, Devontez Walker, Roger Rosengarten, Brandon Coleman, Peyton Wilson, and Tanor Bortolini, as standout NFL prospects.
Ideal fits: DeJean or Barton at Pick #25 could be ideal selections that address immediate needs while providing long-term value.
Conclusion: The Packers’ draft strategy focuses on strategic additions to strengthen critical positions and provide depth across an already competitive roster. With ample draft capital, Gutekunst has the flexibility to target specific players who can contribute immediately and in the long term.
Stay tuned for live coverage as the NFL Draft unfolds from April 25 to 27, as the Packers continue their quest for championship success.
