While this year’s virtual draft will naturally lead to some challenges, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst still expects to be active in trade talks throughout the weekend.
“I don’t think there’s going to be too much of an issue, certainly not from our end,” Gutekunst said (via Curtis Crabtree of ProFootballTalk.com).
“I think we’ll be able to be as aggressive as we need to be. I like to move around. I think it’s a very good draft. I’d like to move around and get to the areas of the draft I think are strong.”
Gutekunst also mentioned that the team would consider moving up in the first round “if we need to.” The Packers highest pick is currently No. 30, which is one of the organization’s 10 selections.
The Packers have been connected to a number of first-round-caliber prospects, including defensive tackle Raekwon Davis. While they’ve been mentioned as a suitor for quarterbacks like Jordan Love, the team isn’t prioritizing the position in the upcoming draft.
Let’s check out some more notes out of Green Bay…
- Tramon Williams remains a free agent, but it doesn’t sound like the Packers are in any rush to re-sign the veteran cornerback. Gutekunst told reporters that they’ll evaluate Williams’ fit on the roster after the draft. “If that fits once we get through the draft then we’ll certainly make it happen if we can,” Gutekunst said (via ESPN’s Rob Demovsky on Twitter). After spending nearly a decade with the Packers to start his career, Williams returned to Green Bay in 2018. He’s appeared in all 32 regular season games over the past two seasons, including a 2019 campaign where he had eight passes defended and a pair of interceptions.
- Wide receiver Devin Funchess still hasn’t “completely” passed his physical, Gutekunst told reporters (via Demovsky). “There’s still a portion of it that he’ll have to kind of get through once hopefully this clears up or we’re able find another way to do it,” Gutekunst said. The Packers have already announced the deal, which is a one-year pact worth as much as $6.25MM. After hauling in 63 receptions for 840 yards and eight scores in 2017, the 25-year-old has only collected 54 receptions for 844 yards and nine touchdowns over the past two years (31 games).
- Gutekunst isn’t particularly worried about any of the technical glitches during the league’s mock draft. “We got a lot of answers,” Gutekunst said (via the team’s website). “That was the big thing, getting through this and finding out the answers how we really want to do this.”
Don’t waste one of your top 4 picks on a qb. Not a need and not a franchise one left by the time you pick.
Still would love to see Morgan get drafted by his Hometown Packers
A receiver like Odell Beckam Jr is better than anyone you’ll get at 30 and would give Rogers a dynamic duo in Adams and Beckam Jr. Odell Beckam Jr will provide more of an immediate impact on offense than Aiyuk, Higgins, Jefferson, or Reagor would.
Rogers is 36, Tom Brady came to the NFC, it’s going to be tough to make it to the Super Bowl with all the great QBs out in the NFC- Brady Brees Wilson- plus solid guys like Wentz, Cousins, Ryan.
Go get Beckam for Rodgers. Trade the 30th, Valdez Scantling, and some picks in 2021.
The Packers have the defense to compete, but could stand to draft some linebackers. Anferne Jennings Troy Dye, and/or Malik Harrison in later rounds.
How would the Packers fit Beckham’s salary within their salary cap?
WRs are a dime a dozen. Ones that cause issues in the locker room or are self-serving non-winners like Beckham are worthless.
My thoughts exactly! Antonio Brown would be the speed we’re looking for, but I wouldn’t want him anywhere near Titletown!! Let someone else have those whining headaches.
Might seem strange coming from a Bears fan but I want to express my respect for Packers great Willie Davis who recently passed away. Hard to believe he was originally a 15th round draft pick. Dr. Feelgood was a class act in every respect.
Thanks for the kind words crosseyed! Bart Starr was drafted in the 17th round.