In the grand chess game of NFL drafts, the Green Bay Packers, under General Manager Brian Gutekunst, have made it clear they’re not scared to make bold moves to snag players they believe can elevate their roster. With a history of strategic maneuvering in the draft, there’s speculation brewing about the team’s approach to the 2024 NFL Draft. It’s that time of year when mock drafts and expert predictions become the daily bread for football fans, and the Packers are right in the thick of it, with Gutekunst’s track record suggesting another aggressive approach may be on the cards.
Brian Gutekunst has been something of a maverick when it comes to trading up in the draft. This isn’t just idle speculation; his past actions paint a clear picture.
The likes of Jaire Alexander, Darnell Savage, Jordan Love, and Christian Watson didn’t just land in the Packers’ lap by chance. These key players were carefully targeted, and Gutekunst demonstrated his willingness to make the moves necessary to secure their talents.
Each of these trades provided significant value to the team, demonstrating a keen eye for talent and strategic drafting.
Given this history, it’s not out of the realm of possibility to see the Packers making moves to trade up in the 2024 draft. If there’s a player out there they’ve got their heart set on, history has shown they won’t hesitate to make a bold play. This approach has paid dividends in the past, and with the right prospect on the horizon, Packers’ management could be ready to go all in once again.
Mock drafts are already buzzing with predictions and potential moves for Green Bay. Expert analysts are eyeing several key players who could be in the Packers’ sights, assuming they decide to shake things up with a trade.
Ben Standig of The Athletic suggests Quinyon Mitchell could be a prime target if the Packers opt to move up. The cornerback’s skillset is highly coveted, but acquiring him won’t come cheap, hinting at a significant trade if this prediction holds.
On another front, Eric Edholm of NFL.com sees Graham Barton as a fitting choice, assuming the offensive lineman is still around at No. 25.
His versatility could be a huge asset for Green Bay’s front line.
ESPN’s Matt Miller throws another name into the ring with Tyler Guyton. The Oklahoma tackle has been turning heads, and Miller believes he could be on Green Bay’s radar as a potential boost to their offensive line. Meanwhile, Cooper DeJean’s name keeps popping up in mock drafts connected to the Packers, mainly due to his defensive versatility, which could make him an attractive option for a team looking to shore up multiple positions on that side of the ball.
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the speculation will only intensify. Yet, one thing remains clear: under GM Brian Gutekunst, the Green Bay Packers have shown they’re not afraid to make bold moves. Whether it’s trading up for a player they value or selecting the best talent available, Packers fans have plenty of reasons to watch this year’s draft with keen interest.