Top Packers draft targets per pick ahead of the 2024 free agency

Traditionally, the Green Bay Packers have the draft as the most important roster-building avenue. Even though general manager Brian Gutekunst is more willing to explore free agency and trades than his predecessor Ted Thompson, the Packers are still a draft-and-develop franchise. Especially over the last few years, Green Bay has utilized extra picks from the […]

Wendell Ferreira NFL News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Tennessee wide receiver Ramel Keyton (80) catches a pass over Alabama defensive back Terrion Arnold (3) during a game between Tennessee and Alabama in Neyland Stadium
Jamar Coach/News Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK

Traditionally, the Green Bay Packers have the draft as the most important roster-building avenue. Even though general manager Brian Gutekunst is more willing to explore free agency and trades than his predecessor Ted Thompson, the Packers are still a draft-and-develop franchise.

Especially over the last few years, Green Bay has utilized extra picks from the Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers trades to build a young, promising team.

Therefore, it's relevant for Packers fans to keep an idea of who might be available around their picks. Gutekunst is expected to have 11 selections, if the NFL confirms the projected three compensatory picks. They also have extra picks in the second (from the New York Jets) and in the third (from the Buffalo Bills, in the Rasul Douglas deal).

So, the exercise here is trying to understand which players might get drafted in each area using The Athletic's consensus big board until top 100, and then the NFL Mock Draft Database beyond that, and which positions are stronger in each area of the draft. So, we will use the 10 positions ahead or below the Packers draft position to choose the ideal target.

1st round

25 – CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama (15th)

He's 15th on the consensus draft board, so it's far from a certainty that he will be there. But Arnold would be a truly interesting piece for the new Packers defense. He's an athletic monster, just like the Packers love, with a good frame and great ability to play man coverage.

Plan B: WR Keon Coleman, Florida State (27th)


2nd round

41 (via Jets) – T/G Graham Barton, Duke (32nd)

Barton played as a left tackle at Duke, but he might kick inside to play at guard in the NFL. 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. He's a powerful run blocker, and also has good technique to pass block.

Plan B: LB Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M (40th)

58 – S Calen Bullock, USC (57th)

The Packers dramatically need safety options, and Bullock is an ideal center-fielder for Jeff Hafley's scheme. He doesn't have great tackling ability, but his range and potential as a playmaker are impressive traits.

Plan B: S Javon Bullard, Georgia (52nd)


3rd round

88 – LB Cedric Gray, North Carolina (90th)

I know, I know, I'm getting more defenders than I would usually prefer, but that's how the board is going. The Packers need to reshape their linebacker group in this transition to 4-3, and Gray is a solid piece in the middle of the field. His athletic profile might determine if he's in play for the Packers or not.

Plan B: OT Blake Fisher, Notre Dame (85th)

91 (via Bills) – RB Bucky Irving, Oregon (95th)

Irving looks like Aaron Jones, and it makes more sense for the Packers to get a good runner than just a complementary skill set. Speed is a big trait to fit in Matt LaFleur's offensive scheme, and Irving has it.

Plan B: CB Cam Hart, Notre Dame (94th)


4th round

127 – EDGE Mohamed Kamara, Colorado State (122nd)

Kamara is a strong edge defender who uses his hand with effectiveness. He's not a bendy kind of defensive end, but he has a good motor and seems to fit well in the Packers' new defensive scheme.

Plan B: WR Javon Baker, UCF (124th)


5th round

168 (compensatory) – C Mason McCormick, South Dakota State (166th)

He played at center in college, but during Shrine Bowl he also practiced at guard. His versatility and ability to climb to the second level are intriguing points in his profile.

Plan B: LB Tyrice Knight, UTEP (167th)


6th round

204 – CB Jarrian Jones, Florida State (206th)

The Packers need a slot corner, and Jarrian Jones can absolutely be that piece. He's a solid tackler, has quickness to cover inside, and positional flexibility.

Plan B: RB Kendall Milton, Georgia (209th)

216 (compensatory) – RB Kimani Vidal, Troy (216th)

Vidal would be a solid running back 3, with balance, power, and intelligence to exploit defensive mistakes. According to PFF, he is the highest-graded pass blocker in this class, which is perfect for the role he would have.

Plan B: S Kenny Logan Jr., Kansas (217th)


7th round

243 – TE Tanner McLachlan, Arizona (239th)

McLachlan doesn't have quickness to move laterally, but he's pretty fast on a straight line, is a solid catcher, and is tough. The Packers are mostly set at tight end at the top, but depth is a consideration.

Plan B: QB Austin Reed, Western Kentucky (233rd)

251 (compensatory) – WR Anthony Gould, Oregon State (256th)

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.

Plan B: QB Devin Leary, Kentucky (254th)