Latest mock draft has the Packers addressing two of their biggest needs following a big trend
Since Brian Gutekunst took over as the Green Bay Packers general manager in 2018, he has made nine first-round draft picks. Seven of them (every one except Jordan Love and Jordan Morgan) were defensive players. This trend has a high chance of continuing in 2025. There are needs at valuable positions, and it's a strong […]
Since Brian Gutekunst took over as the Green Bay Packers general manager in 2018, he has made nine first-round draft picks. Seven of them (every one except Jordan Love and Jordan Morgan) were defensive players.
This trend has a high chance of continuing in 2025. There are needs at valuable positions, and it's a strong class for places the Packers probably perceive as big needs.
Our draft analyst AJ Schulte had a two-round mock draft on Monday, and both picks for the Packers are defensive players. They address needs and both are from positions of high value and where it's not easy to find high-end play in free agency.
26. Green Bay Packers: Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
AJ Schulte's perspective: I think it's fair to start a panic button about the Packers' pass rush. Rashan Gary leads the team with 34 pressures, and Green Bay only has one player with more than 20 pressures. First-rounder Lukas Van Ness hasn't panned out, and they've been forced to manufacture pass rush by blitzing more often than I'd imagine they wanted to entering the season.
Jackson is a quietly effective pass rusher, blending physicality with surprising quickness and agility. He's no slouch as a technician either, boasting a wide array of pass-rush moves he can throw at opposing tackles.
Wendell Ferreira's perspective: Gary has underperformed since he signed his big-time extension last season, and even though Van Ness has played better since the Packers traded Preston Smith away, it hasn't been enough.
The Packers have taken chances on athletic, non-productive college players (Gary has 10.5 sacks throughout his entire college career), but Landon Jackson is athletic and productive at the same time — which seems like the ideal balance for what the Packers need. He had 6.5 sacks in 2023 and has had 6.5 again throughout 12 games this season.
58. Green Bay Packers: Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
AJ Schulte's perspective: If you haven't gotten eyes on Thomas, do so quickly, as I expect him to be a hot riser as more people watch his film (if you didn't watch Florida State this year, I don't blame you). His press and man coverage chops make him a perfect fit for Jeff Hafley's scheme in Green Bay.
Wendell Ferreira's perspective: Cornerback is probably the biggest need on the Packers roster, considering Jaire Alexander's injury history and the fact that Eric Stokes is slated to be a free agent (and hasn't played well since 2021). Gutekunst likes tall, heavier cornerbacks, and Thomas is that. He also has a strong punch to attack wide receivers and is an effective blitzer, which is exactly what Jeff Hafley would want in a cornerback.
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