Packers seven-round mock draft after the NFL Combine reveals top priorities, ideal strategy, and sleeper picks for Green Bay
Nobody has had more total picks than the Green Bay Packers over the last three years. Last week at the NFL Combine, general manager Brian Gutekunst was asked about the fact that the Packers “only” have eight picks now. His reaction? “Yet.” Usually, trading down is a great strategy to maximize value. It’s an understanding […]
Nobody has had more total picks than the Green Bay Packers over the last three years. Last week at the NFL Combine, general manager Brian Gutekunst was asked about the fact that the Packers “only” have eight picks now.
His reaction?
“Yet.”
Usually, trading down is a great strategy to maximize value. It’s an understanding of how the draft process works and how limited teams are to be sure about how good the players really will be. This year, the idea of moving back is especially appealing because there isn’t as much top talent, and the depth of the draft is good.
So that’s how I started this post-Combine seven-round mock for the Packers. The PFF Draft Simulator tool was utilized for this exercise.
Trade down with the New York Giants
- Send: Pick 23
- Get: Pick 34 (2nd), Pick 65 (3rd), 2026 4th-rounder
Here, the Packers are able to add an early third-rounder and a 2026 fourth-rounder going down 11 spots. And there was still plenty of talent to select at 34, which makes the decision that much better.
2nd, Pick 34 – CB Azareye'h Thomas, Florida State
Jeff Hafley will fall in love with Thomas, ideally suited to play press man coverage. Moving on from Jaire Alexander and with Eric Stokes slated to hit free agency, the Packers need to address the cornerback position. And getting a good fit for the scheme with high-end potential is the way to go.
2nd, Pick 55 – EDGE Jared Ivey, Ole Miss
Second mock, second time I put Ivey on the Packers. His positional versatility is intriguing, and he had seven sacks last year at Ole Miss. Green Bay values pass rush, and getting that from multiple spots will be appealing.
3rd, Pick 65 – WR Jalen Royals, Utah State
Royals got hurt during his final season, but he's an ideal Packers type at receiver in terms of size, speed, and style. With Christian Watson expected to miss the start of the season and both him and Romeo Doubs entering the final year of their rookie contracts, adding weapons to the room is key.
3rd, Pick 87 – WR Tre Harris, Ole Miss
Talking about adding receivers, Tre Harris is another player that the Packers might truly like. You might find it weird to take back-to-back WRs, but we have a strong track record of Brian Gutekunst double-dipping to address one position. If only one of the two pan out, you’re not screwed. If both do, you have an excellent pairing for the future.
4th, Pick 124 – LB Jack Kiser, Notre Dame
The Packers have just re-signed Isaiah McDuffie, so drafting an off-ball linebacker isn't that important. But Jack Kiser is an athletic player who has the ability to defend against the run and rush the passer, two important attributes to play in Jeff Hafley's scheme. Moreover, Quay Walker is entering the final year of his deal, McDuffie's deal is probably a 1+1, and we haven't had any type of evidence that Ty'Ron Hopper will be a useful piece.
5th, Pick 160 – C Seth McLaughlin, Ohio State
The Packers have a glaring need at the interior of the offensive line, and grabbing a polished center is extremely important with Josh Myers set to hit free agency. Last season, McLaughlin had a 74.1 pass block grade by PFF—he allowed only seven pressures and no sacks in 2024. The Packers usually prefer more versatile offensive linemen, and McLaughlin is a center-only player, but it's still a valuable option so late in the process.
6th, Pick 200 – DT Cam Horsley, Boston College
Horsley was recruited by Jeff Hafley at Boston College, and that’s everything you need to know about what the Packers defensive coordinator thinks of him. With Devonte Wyatt entering the final year of his rookie deal and TJ Slaton slated to hit free agency, defensive tackle is a long-term need and needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
7th, Pick 239 – T Hollin Pierce, Rutgers
Pierce is a massive dude. He is a 6-8, 344lbs tackle. That’s probably even too big for the Packers usual parameters at the tackle position, but Brian Gutekunst has been willing to take chances on huge guys later in the draft or as undrafted free agents. Pierce has a lot of potential, and he would be the ideal developmental prospect the Packers tend to take chances on.
7th, Pick 251 – TE Moliki Matavao, UCLA
This has been lauded as a big tight end class, so taking one in the seventh round even if it isn’t a need for the Packers is a worthy consideration. Matavao is a fluid and athletic player, and he could fit in well as a tight end four after Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave, and Ben Sims—Tyler Davis is a free agent and missed the last two years with significant injuries.
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