Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst may be looking to make a splash during his first draft. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that Green Bay is among a handful of teams that are “plotting a potential trade up…for a top-tier talent.” The team is currently armed with the No. 14 pick in the first round.
Recent reports have connected the organization with several notable defenders. We heard earlier this week that the Packers were eyeing Virginia Tech linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, although the report indicated that the team would likely have to move up to select the versatile prospect. In Daniel Jeremiah’s recent top-50 list, Edmunds was ranked sixth overall.
The team has also been connected to Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith, another player who would likely necessitate a trade. Smith was listed eighth on Jeremiah’s new top-50 rankings. While the Packers have Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, Blake Martinez, and Jake Ryan slotted in as their starting linebackers, Smith and Edmunds’ versatility could make a trade worthwhile.
Of course, considering the Packers’ depth at linebacker, they might be looking at other positions. The team could presumably be targeting defensive end Bradley Chubb if he manages to fall a bit in the draft. The could also target the top cornerback prospects, a grouping that includes Denzel Ward, Mike Hughes, and Jaire Alexander.
Including the 14th selection, the Packers have 12 picks headed into this weekend’s draft. The team doesn’t have any extra first-, second-, or third-rounders, but they do have a pair of fourth-round picks and three fifth-rounders.
Edmunds or Fitz?
Ward or Chubb
This is what I’m thinking. Edmunds is going to be a special player if he stays healthy. He can play any spot on the field. I honestly think he could line up at safety in some packages. Just a freak athlete with good football IQ. Whoever ends up selecting him will be happy with the rewards, no doubt in my mind.
Fitzpatrick is a stud. Just plain and simple.
Chubb is a difference maker. Stud. Make this happen Gutty!!
This is a mistake. The packers roster is horrible.if anything, the packers should trade down to get more potential starters. Their roster is similar to the colts roster when manning got hurt. If Rodgers goes down with another injury…. ruh roh.
If Rodgers goes down, wont matter how many picks they have. Better to go for a homerun than fill the roster with a bunch of so-so/OK starters
I agree. Rodgers is the only reason the packers are anywhere near a playoff contender. Defense is bad, front 7 can’t stop the run or rush the passer. Secondary is awful. O line is probably a little above average, no TE (can Graham be trusted all year?) and RBs are probably average. I don’t think the WRs are that good. Without Rodgers, that entire group takes a step back, with the exception of Adams. Who inexplicably did better after Rodgers injury.
Same for Brady
Same for Brees
Same for rothelesburger
Same for Wilson
Any of those guys go down and their team is done. Go figure the QB is the most important piece.
Jb19 do you even watch football ? We have one of the best offensive lines , davante Adams is a pro bowler and our running backs are rookies who did a great job last year , Aaron jones averaged over 5 yards a carry . Our pass rushing is way underrated with Perry and Daniels and clay and just got better with Wilkerson .
Relax, we have Kizer who has a perfect record.
The Packers need a pass rusher or ILB. Blake Martinez is the best of a terrible group and not a difference maker. First round DBs make little sense unless it’s a can’t-miss guy…which are very few and far between given the league’s rules slated towards WRs. Their track record with multiple first-round whiffs on DBs speaks volumes. Rush the passer….everyone all of a sudden looks better on the back end. It’s not rocket science.