Picking the perfect Round 2 draft targets for the Packers after the 2024 NFL Combine
In recent history, Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has used the first round to get players from what he perceives as premium positions. The second round, though, is the soft spot to attack needs. He’s drafted wide receivers, running back, center, guard, tight end. There’s also more willingness to use picks to get […]
In recent history, Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has used the first round to get players from what he perceives as premium positions. The second round, though, is the soft spot to attack needs.
He’s drafted wide receivers, running back, center, guard, tight end. There’s also more willingness to use picks to get offensive players — every of them, outside of Josh Jackson in 2018.
To make this exercise of analyzing who is the perfect target for each pick, we used The Athletic’s Consensus Big Board to the top 100, and the NFL Mock Draft Database for later picks. And, to keep the series going, we attack two needs, one on each side of the ball.
Pick 41 (via New York Jets) – T/G Graham Barton, Duke (32nd)
Barton is the 32nd player on The Athletic’s consensus board. He played as a left tackle at Duke, but he might (and probably will) kick inside to play at guard in the NFL because he has short arms.
During the Combine, Barton actually met with the Packers, and Barton said he can play each of the five line positions. Green Bay loves that versatility.
That's actually an interesting profile, because he could start at right guard immediately for the Packers, and potentially move outside once he develops to generate more value. But even as a guard only, it makes sense for Green Bay — Elgton Jenkins is a good example of how that can turn out.
Graham Barton is a powerful run blocker, and also has good technique to pass block.
Plan B: LB Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M (40th)
Pick 58 – LB Payton Wilson, NC State (51st)
Initially, we had safety Calen Bullock on here, but he weighted 188 lbs, and the Packers would probably want a heavier safety. He didn't participate on the explosion drills at the Combine, which doesn't help his cause.
So, let's fill out another defensive need with linebacker Payton Wilson. With the defensive structure changing to a 4-3 base, off-ball linebackers are particularly more relevant. Plus, veteran De'Vondre Campbell might end up as a cap casualty. The need is obvious.
Wilson is slightly undersized, but that might end up being a good thing to play as a cover linebacker. His speed is also impressive, and even though his explosive is not as impressive, it's still pretty good.
Plan B: RB Jonathon Brooks (60th)
What if the Packers only took absurd athletes in the draft?
It’s a RAS-centric mock draft
