Packers’ needs are met by the NFL Draft class, as shown by Dane Brugler’s rankings.
GREEN BAY, Wisconsin: The Green Bay Packers need to fix a few major gaps this offseason in order to build on their 2023 postseason run. Brian Gutekunst, the general manager, is fortunate in that
First off, he has more than enough draft capital to meet their requirements.
Two, the draft’s strengths mostly meet those requirements.
FFirst, the draft capital: The Packers will have five of the first 91 selections, with No. 25 in the first round, Nos. 41 and 58 in the second round, and Nos. 88 and 91 in the third round, thanks to the trades
Second, team needs: Safety and cornerback are the defensive backfield’s top priorities for Green Bay. It might also be trying to make a strong run at a franchise left tackle. Though maybe not deserving of a first-round selection, the Packers may be considering adding an off-the-ball linebacker to complement running back Aaron Jones as Jeff Hafley transitions the team to a 4-3 base defense. There is also a demand for guards, defensive ends, and defensive tackles.
Dane Brugler, the famous draft analyst for The Athletic, has announced his ranking of the top 100 prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft. It consists of:
- 12 cornerbacks, with two inside the top 20, five between No. 20 and No. 50 and five from No. 51 to No. 100. That’s a lot of quality depth, which could allow Gutekunst to fill a different need with the first-round pick and then circle back for a cornerback in Day 2.
- 6 safeties, with two in the 40s and four between No. 51 and No. 100. Remember, the only safeties under contract are Anthony Johnson and Benny Sapp, so this is a huge need at a key position in Hafley’s scheme. Could the Packers strike with one of those second-round picks?
- 10 offensive tackles, with six inside the top 20, one between No. 20 and No. 50 and three between No. 51 and No. 63. In other words, if the Packers want an offensive tackle, they’ll have to get one early because the depth disappears in a hurry. Fortunately, they could do worse than giving Rasheed Walker another season at left tackle, and Zach Tom is a standout at right tackle.
- 7 running backs, with all of them ranking between No. 70 and No. 100. Jones’ domination down the stretch, and the offense’s struggles without him when he was sidelined or limited by hamstring and knee injuries, show why it’s imperative the Packers draft a quality running back. Brugler’s rankings suggest the Packers could get their man in the third round.
- 5 linebackers, with two toward the back half of the top 50 and three between No. 74 and No. 100. The need here hinges on whether the Packers bring back veteran De’Vondre Campbell. If they don’t, there is no obvious third starter alongside Quay Walker and Isaiah McDuffie.
- Eight defensive tackles: two in the 30s, one in the top 20, and the remaining five between the 51st and 100th spots. Since the five defensive tackles from last season will all be back for 2024, the emphasis should be placed on finding a high-impact player, if one is available.
11 edge (4-3 defensive ends), four between 20 and 50, one among the top 20, and six between 51 and 100. The group’s main players are Lukas Van Ness, Preston Smith, and Rashan Gary. A fourth player will be required by the Packers due to Kingsley Enagbare’s ruptured ACL. Smith, at 31, is the oldest player on the defense, and Gutekunst has a history of selecting players for the future even though depth is the team’s most pressing need right now.
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- Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, and Sean Rhyan will likely make the Packers feel comfortable about their lineup in 2024 (four centers and eight guards), but depth is essential. That third-round space can accommodate three guards and one center.
Gutekunst will benefit from having a roster that includes Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft at tight end, Jordan Love at quarterback, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Bo Melton at receiver.
Eight quarterbacks—three of the top ten—are present.
Four cinch ends.
seventeen receivers, with eleven in the top 50 and four in the top 20. Gutekunst should be presented with excellent players by all those gifted pass-catchers. - Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, and Sean Rhyan will likely make the Packers feel comfortable about their lineup in 2024 (four centers and eight guards), but depth is essential. That third-round space can accommodate three guards and one center.
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