The Green Bay Packers have 11 draft picks for the 2024 NFL Draft. This contains five picks in the first three rounds. That is enough firepower to either trade up in the draft or choose five great prospects in the opening three rounds.
Today, it was rumored that the Packers talked with someone who will most likely depart before the end of round three.
The Green Bay Packers will meet with one of the fastest rising stars in the 2024 NFL draft.
According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the Packers hosted Austin Booker for a top-30 visit on Wednesday, April 10th. The Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots have also met with Kansas’ EDGE prospect.
Booker is unlikely to be considered as the 25th overall choice in the first round. However, it is probable that the Packers will use one of their four Day 2 picks to draft him in the second or third round.
Tyler Brooke of Heavy on Packers marked Booker as one of the fastest rising prospects. In this year’s draft:
Booker is one of the most rapidly growing EDGE prospects in this class, and it’s simple to understand why.
The Jayhawks benefited from Booker’s presence in 2023. He concluded the season with eight sacks, twelve tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. That performance helped him earn First-Team All-Big 12 accolades and the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year title.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein rates Booker highly, predicting that he will eventually be a strong starter. He even compared Booker to Maxx Crosby, the Las Vegas Raiders’ star player.
Will the Packers allocate more draft capital to the EDGE position?
Currently, Green Bay’s top three EDGE rushers are Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, and Lukas Van Ness. Smith, 31, has unexpectedly become the oldest player on the Packers’ roster. He is now under contract through the 2026 season; however, his age, combined with his $18+ million cap charge in 2026, may indicate that the organization will release him sooner rather than later.
Brian Gutekunst has routinely used top draft picks on the defensive side of the ball. This year will be no exception, as linebacker, cornerback, and safety are still among the team’s most pressing requirements.
If a pass rusher comes into their lap, I wouldn’t be surprised if Gutekunst takes the shot.
