Top targets and positions to double down on drive Packers conversations as draft strategy begins to crystallize
Green Bay has eight draft picks, and some short- and long-term needs to address in the draft. For Brian Gutekunst, it’s a time to show he can improve the roster without a first-rounder.
It’s a big week for the Green Bay Packers. And while it’s been a somewhat boring pre-draft process for Packers fans without a first-round pick, things will become much more exciting with eight total picks between Friday and Saturday.
General manager Brian Gutekunst has proven time and again he can add impactful players later in the draft, and this attribute will be particularly relevant over the next two years.
So, let’s do our final pre-draft mailbag and address fans’ questions ahead of the big week.
Perfect fits in the second round
Among players who would realistically be there at 52, my top options are defensive tackle Domonique Orange, cornerback Julian Neal, and wide receiver Ted Hurst. As far as the running backs, Mike Washington Jr. is certainly the ideal fit for the Packers, but I’m not sure they’d invest such a high pick to take a player at that position. In the later rounds, a prospect I truly like is Indiana’s Kaelon Black.
Positions to double down
With eight total picks, you can certainly do a little bit of both. One player at each defensive tackle, edge defender, and wide receiver — there isn’t much space on the depth chart to get multiple ones at these spots anyway. Two or three offensive linemen and two cornerbacks are more likely, though, so those are the positions where Gutekunst may opt to double down on.
Contract extensions
I do not expect that, because there isn’t any urgency to get things done now for any side. The players don’t have an actual incentive before training camp, without material injury risk, and the front office is focusing on draft — rightfully so. Immediately after the draft, though, Brian Gutekunst and Russ Ball start to take care of additional topics. That includes Lukas Van Ness’ fifth-year option and potential contract extensions. Tucker Kraft, Christian Watson, and Devonte Wyatt could realistically agree to extensions before the regular season.
Linebacker depth
I don’t see a big need for it, honestly, because linebacker is an easily replaceable position and the Packers have Edgerrin Cooper as the real difference-maker. Players like Nick Niemann and Kristian Welch could get back on cheap deals, too, so depth isn’t a big issue.
But that’s just my opinion, and Brian Gutekunst seems to value off-ball linebackers much more than I do. He’s done significant homework on linebackers — Louisville’s TJ Quinn and Jaden Dugger were top-30 visits, and the Packers also talked to LSU’s Harold Perkins Jr., Michigan’s Jimmy Rolder, and Cincinnati’s Jake Golday at the Combine. I wouldn’t expect a big investment, but a Day 3 pick is absolutely on the table.
Edge rusher early in the process
They could absolutely take an edge rusher in the second round, yes. Gutekunst has never taken an edge defender in the second round, and he usually utilizes this round to take good players for what he perceives as non-premium positions. But without a first-rounder, the value of the second-rounder for the Packers is bigger.
The roster lost Rashan Gary and Kingsley Enagbare this offseason, and Micah Parsons is expected to miss the first few weeks of the regular season. Right now, the Packers have Lukas Van Ness, Brenton Cox, Barryn Sorrell, Collin Oliver, and Arron Mosby to start the year.
They haven’t exercised Van Ness’ fifth-year option yet, which could indicate they’re waiting to see what happens in the draft. And depending who’s on the board, that option could come fast.