Earlier this week, I looked at why the Green Bay Packers would trade out of selection 25 in the NFL Draft. With only two weeks until the selection, it looks more likely that Brain Gutekunst will move up from their original pick position. Here’s why I believe Gutekunst and the Green Bay Packers can do this.
The Green Bay Packers have plenty of draft capital.
The Green Bay Packers have 11 picks in this year’s draft, including five in the top 100. Many teams would like to have the capital that Green Bay has.
The Packers also don’t have many obvious needs. They need a starter safety and a starting inside linebacker, but neither should be addressed until at least day two. Pick 25 is starting to feel like the best player available pick.
If the Green Bay Packers want to move up, it will most certainly cost them pick 25 and a third-round pick. In the third round, they own picks 88 and 91, therefore the difference is little. They don’t need 11 guys because they had a strong draft class in 2023 and are currently the league’s youngest club. I think they have a decent chance of moving up in round one.
Four Day 2 Picks
The Aaron Rodgers trade netted the Packers an additional second round pick and a third round pick in the Rasual Douglas trade. The day two picks appear to be where Green Bay’s needs lie. They are likely to acquire a safety and a linebacker in these rounds. It’s convenient to have four in your back pocket.
I can’t imagine Gutekunst keeping the same two selections for four days. With a late first-round pick, pick 25 will already have players with second-round potential. There is no doubt that these selections will have an instant impact, but no team can maintain all of those picks and not be aggressive. Gutekunst enjoys traveling, and this appears to be an excellent opportunity for him.
Opportunity to acquire a player with first-round talent.
As previously said, there aren’t many players with first-round draft grades, but there are many with grades beginning in the second round. With their draft money, the Packers have the option to move up and select a guy with a legitimate first-round grade. It could be a cornerback, edge rusher, or offensive lineman (which is unusual for them).
Even if the Packers do not move up, I would be surprised if they are not at least looking about. I don’t think Green Bay will stay put. They may not move up many spots, but Gutekunst has never hesitated to trade for a player he likes.
