The NFL Draft is fast approaching! Free agency has started to slow down, and we have a good idea of what teams look like going into April’s draft. The Green Bay Packers have gotten quality pieces out of the last two drafts. They made the divisional round last year and almost beat the 49ers to get to the NFC Championship game. With a few more pieces, this team could be a sneaky Super Bowl contender.
Green Bay Packers NFL Draft Needs
The Green Bay Packers had an active offseason. They had two big signings: running back Josh Jacobs and safety Xavier McKinney. The two biggest losses were running back Aaron Jones and left tackle David Bakhtiari, although the latter only appeared in one game last year. This team has talent all over the roster, but there are still some holes to fill in the NFL Draft.
Safety
While McKinney was a great signing, this team needs more depth at the safety position. Rudy Ford is still out there and played well for them last year, but the team might want to remake the position completely. Last year, the safety class was weak, which is why the team didn’t draft one in 2023. In 2024, they have some options.
Kamren Kitchens and Tyler Nubin have been mocked to the team, but their testing at the Combine and their Pro Days didn’t impress. The player to watch would be Cooper DeJean. He could play the safety position, but it is likely going to take a first-round pick to get him. Even if they wait until day three, the Green Bay Packers should take at least one safety.
Offensive Tackle
The Green Bay Packers went into last year with David Bakhtiari as the starter and Rasheed Walker as the backup. After one game, Walker was the full-time left tackle. He played extremely well. However, I am dubious of counting on a seventh-round pick. The team also lost Jon Runyan Jr. and Yosh Nijman in free agency.
The Packers love to find offensive linemen in the NFL Draft. They have been drafting and developing for years with success. This class is very deep, but one player to watch is Duke’s Graham Barton. His versatility is something the team craves. He could play guard or tackle, depending on the needs. If the team doesn’t pick an offensive lineman in the first round, I can almost guarantee they will with one of their two second-round picks.
Cornerback
Another year, another rookie cornerback going to the Green Bay Packers. While it may seem like overkill at this point, the team needs another quality corner. Jaire Alexander is the lockdown corner of the group, but behind him, there are questions. Eric Stokes has had back-to-back years of injuries. While the potential is there, we have no clue what he will look like this year. Carrington Valentine looked great last year, but again, I am dubious of counting on a seventh-round pick being the second corner on the team.
Unless one of the top corners falls, the Green Bay Packers will likely wait in the NFL Draft for a cornerback. One name to watch is Rutgers corner Max Melton. His brother, Bo Melton, is on the team. Max has the skill set that fits this team perfectly. If they can get a quality rookie and Stokes comes back healthy, this secondary could be scary next year.
The Green Bay Packers have been nailing the NFL Draft for the past two seasons. Can they add more quality talent in 2024?
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Matt Brown has been following sports since he was a kid. While football is his primary focus, Matt can talk about any sport anytime. He is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.
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