Picking the perfect Round 7 draft targets for the Packers after the 2024 NFL Combine
Cornerback Carrington Valentine is a good (even though rare) example that it is possible to find starting-caliber players in the seventh round. Usually, Brian Gutekunst likes to take players who can contribute on special teams, and that’s how they initially show their value before having opportunities on offense or defense. To make this exercise of […]
Cornerback Carrington Valentine is a good (even though rare) example that it is possible to find starting-caliber players in the seventh round. Usually, Brian Gutekunst likes to take players who can contribute on special teams, and that’s how they initially show their value before having opportunities on offense or defense.
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.
The Packers will most likely have two seventh-rounders. The first one is the original selection, and the team is also expected to receive a compensatory seventh-rounder for losing defensive lineman Dean Lowry in free agency last year.
Pick 243 – TE Tanner McLachlan, Arizona (232nd)
McLachlan doesn't have quickness to move laterally, but he's pretty fast on a straight line. Which is why he only did some tests during the NFL Combine. Additionally, he is a solid catcher — and tough player. He moved up the consensus board a little bit since we initially made this exercise, going from 236th to 232nd.
The Packers are mostly set at tight end at the top, but depth is a consideration. Last year, the team drafted Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft on day 2, and they also claimed Ben Sims off waivers from the Minnesota Vikings. In 2024, they will have three promising tight ends entering year 2.
However, Josiah Deguara and Tyler Davis are free agents, so another late-round pick at that position wouldn’t be a total surprise, especially so late in the process. As a shorter and lighter tight end, McLachlan could execute Deguara's role moving forward.
Plan B: QB Austin Reed, Western Kentucky (270th)
Pick 251 (compensatory) – WR Anthony Gould, Oregon State (256th)
He was elite in everything he did at the NFL Combine, except what he can't change — height and, to a significant degree, weight.
As a 5'8 receiver, he doesn't fit the Packers physical profile, but… Amari Rodgers is 5'9. In the seventh round, and considering Gould is a prolific returner as well as a good separator, he might be worth a closer look.
Curiously, he moved up from 256th to 219th on the consensus board.
Jayden Reed was the primary punt returner for the Packers in 2023, but potentially with a bigger offensive role, it gets hard to keep him playing so much on special teams. Moreover, kickoff returner Keisean Nixon is a free agent.
Plan B: QB Devin Leary, Kentucky (249th)
Top Packers draft targets per pick ahead of the 2024 free agency
Green Bay is projected to have 11 picks
