Why the Green Bay Packers need more players in the draft than you may think, but that's OK

Green Bay has one of the best young rosters in the league, but there are plenty of positions where they just need more bodies. Luckily for them, it's the perfect positions not to worry about early on in a draft where there aren't that many good players anyway. Plus, could they double up early? And is there real beef with Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur? (No!)
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Peter Bukowski, co-founder of The Leap, brings you a daily look at the Green Bay Packers year-round with Locked On Packers! Go beyond the latest injury news into what you're seeing on the field, how it works, and how it might change with new players or against a division rival. It's the podcast for fans who know what happened, they want to know why and how!
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[@normstewart546]

I like keeping those 2nd and 3rd rounders.

[@g.d.graham2446]

The dissing of Royce Newman at the beginning was SO perfect; that's one player my Dad would happily see off the Packers xD

[@sambrinn5606]

💯💯💯 Newman is the Amari Rodgers version of how the F has he remained a Packer so long. At least they cut bait with Amari. You can't tell me there isn't a guy off the street that couldn't do what Newman has done. He looks like a high school senior thrown into the NFL. But dude has made it in the NFL so thats an accomplishment. But that being said we could do better

[@rondent2879]

I would have definitely preferred they had kept Runyan over useless Newman.

[@taskmaster51]

"We don't traffic in the nonsense"...why we love ya Peter

[@raybrean9889]

Micah Hyde can come in for a short amount of time to fill a role the team desperately needs. He has remained a consistent player throughout his career and is coming off of a comparable season to Darnell Savages, giving up a lower completion percentage, a better passer rating, and missing fewer tackles, per Pro Football Reference. What makes Hyde even more valuable is his ability to stay on the field. Despite what some would label him as an “injury-prone” player, Hyde is consistently on the field and has recorded at least 750 defensive snaps in 7 of his last 8 seasons. Signing Hyde would also be smart since it’s becoming increasingly unlikely the Packers can find an immediate starter at safety in the draft. If you’re familiar with the way the Packers draft, then you’ve heard of a Relative Athletic Score, which is used to compare players based on their physical measurements as well as Pro Day or NFL Combine Results. According to Paul Bretl of Packers wire, since becoming the GM of Green Bay, Brian Gutekunst has drafted 61 players, 40 of whom had an RAS score of over 8, and only 7 didn’t record a score. There’s a clear message that the Packers want the players they draft to be highly athletic, and the top safeties on the board for 2024 don’t fit that mold. If Green Bay follows its usual pattern, 1 of the only potential early-round options at safety is Jaden Hicks, who earned an 8.94 out of 10. Tyler Nubin (2.91), Javon Bullard (N/A), Kamren Kinchens (1.83), and Calen Bullock (N/A) are simply just too risky in the eyes of our front office. Even if we do end up with Hicks, he is seen as a late second-round draft pick and could need time to develop instead of just being tossed into the top of the depth chart. That is when having such a veteran such as Hyde for even just 1 year becomes extremely valuable. Go Pack Go 💚💚💛💛

[@GregKautzer-yd4cm]

This is why they have their own scouts and their own draft boards.We need to trust this they know what they are doing.

[@joeo4496]

That video of Monti Ossenfort of the Cardinals was some next level content!

[@clarkbowen8158]

They should double up on S, ILB, IOL. They should also get one SWING T, RB, CB, DT and one wild card, QB or WR. Order doesn't matter but these positions fill out our needs and depth.

[@clarkbowen8158]

I wouldn't mind Barton and Morgan at #25 & #41. They both have versatility and can be the swing tackle or RG immediately. We need interior depth big time, grab another guard on day 3.

[@Bastillon]

Dude, Packers priority should be left tackle. Rasheed Walker is not a superbowl caliber starter. He's a backup LT who's only been playing because of Bakhtiari's injury. Listen to Matt LaFleur who said that Walker has "a lot of room for improvement". There is a reason why Packers have a top30 visit with Tyler Guyton and were and Barton's pro day. There is a high likelihood that they choose a tackle in the 1st round if any of the top guys are available.

[@ElonMusk4FreeSpeech]

The OL with Walker at LT & Tom at RT allowed ZERO sacks in the Final 3 games last season (at SF, at Dal, Chicago) and those are some great pass rushes. They also allowed Aaron Jones to rush for over 100 yards every game. And we also beat KC (without Jones) scoring more points on KC than anyone in 2023. People acting like these guys arent

[@sambrinn5606]

I would like a franchise LT but if we are starting the 24 season with Walker I'm fine with that. Homeboy played excellent the last half of the year. Did you hear about anyone giving him fits in the playoffs. But he was a 7th round pick so it will be interesting to see if he improves or regresses this year. Still a steal in the 7th!

[@michaelmccue9864]

since 2005 , 4 offensive players in the 1st round,rodgers,love, and 2 offensive tackles, so dont hold your breath for offensive tackle!

[@GregKautzer-yd4cm]

The Packer l believe will draft players that can play their position and are good special teams players.Special teams to get better,

[@sambrinn5606]

That would be Cooper D then all day

[@ThatsCrazyBro3752]

In gute we trust!

[@mgtowlegion652]

Everyone that was paying attention at the time Jones signed the 4yr extension that Jones would only be a Packer for 2 of those 4 yrs. Apparently ppl forget that

[@chrismarlowe9890]

Is the league bad at evaluating players, or is the fact these guys are still maturing undervalued? Do you look for players that may have had poor coaching in the past? Your top college coaches are bringing out the best in these players. Some of these players may be peaking in college leaving less room for improvement. I think there are advantages to both but maybe your late rounds picks that blossom in the NFL just needed better coaching and more motivation?

[@micahbinns2740]

if i'm the packers it's easy to add a solid RB, the main concern would be the finding 3 OL and making sure the secondary has 2 players you feel comfortable playing...ILB, if there was a position group that I would be okay with them not being good at right now is inside linebacker, because if the other position groups are strong I think you can win with average ILB...Zach Cunnignham Quay Walker and a later draft pick with McDuffie would be passable. If your safety, CB and DL groups are strong

[@sambrinn5606]

Yes, exactly.

[@FishingForQuality13]

Good teams don’t listen to talking heads,and u see it all the time.Those that Listen and eat up the trash have and will continue to suck

[@SokemRokemRobot]

Not if they listen to me, lol.

[@SapphicTwist]

I agree that, normally speaking, a position like interior OL can be filled in later rounds. However, to me, the number 1 priority in this draft is to upgrade our OL so we can get Jacobs back to his 2022 form. Nothing turbo-charges our chances to get to the Super Bowl as much as unleashing Jacobs, and Myers and Rhyan are not going to do that. We need to move up to get somebody like Fautanu, and then pick up Puni on Day 2.

[@SapphicTwist]

DeJean doesn't have near enough twitch to play NFL corner. So after everything you've said about priority vs non-priority positions, we're going to trade up so we can get DeJean to play safety for us? I don't get this DeJean fixation with Packer fans. I just don't see it on tape.

[@docsylva2876]

I am actually okay with gb actually trading either to the last pick or even trading out of the first round to accumulate more picks. trade that number one pick for a couple round 3's. or even picks for 2025

[@sambrinn5606]

This draft is special. Unless the pick is a first rounder, screw them 2025 picks.

[@docsylva2876]

@@sambrinn5606 this draft isn’t loaded with talent man. The packers are 25th selection. Trading out of round 1 will not hurt the packers at all. In the first round if you aren’t in the top 15 in this particular draft because it is more of a loaded draft offensively. The packers are moving from a 34 to a 43. The first part of FA is gone. Yet they still don’t have the players defensively to feel comfortable going in to the 2024 season. The packers need multiple players… not a couple. They need two outside backers, they need a couple corners, they need another safety. They still don’t know if Anders will be their kicker. Offensively they need a guard, tackle. They may need another Running back they need a QB because after love I don’t think they are happy. There is no guarantee love will play the same and there is no guarantee he will not get injured. Right now if the packers aren’t going to go in the direction of the offense. If they aren’t going to draft any lineman. They better off trading down with that 1st round pick. Because once again. They need more than 3 players on each side of the ball. They are better off with more picks because that means no big contracts. Which will not only help the dead cap they still have but will open up more cap space on a yearly basis. This team is very young and it might as well stay the young course it’s going .

[@docsylva2876]

@@sambrinn5606 basically what I really am saying is… the packers for most are set with starters offensively. Defensively they need a couple. But the team is very young and if anything will prevent them from matching or even being better than last season. It will be injuries. So it would be smarter to come in to this draft with the mindset they have had with its offense the last 2-3 seasons. That’s getting the developmental player like Watson and doubs. But do it for its defense also. This team is young and even trades for 2025 wouldn’t be a bad idea because the packers that are getting up there in age. Clark Alexander these guys will decline soon. So those guys will eventually need to be cut or take a pay cut. If you are trying to get rid of. If contracts and out of cap penalties. Trading for future picks is absolutely necessary

[@jlouis1379]

“I would learn how to do backflips and then do it!” WTF!!🤣🤣🤣

[@Realsies]

Would everyone please stop talking about Cooper DeJean!! I live in Iowa, he’s not that good. He’s an athlete without a true position, like Isaiah Simmons. Trading up for him would be a huge mistake. He’s deserves to be a day 2 pick.

[@codyalger2792]

Nah go get Coop!

[@davekudzma6105]

Can't be a safety?

[@gdiZzy1]

Definitely reaching a little for him good player but there's definitely better to trade up for

[@Nater9-9]

Probably an Iowa St fan…

[@MrKhankab]

I wouldn't trade up for him. But I'd be ok with the 25th or 41 pick for him

[@rogersayen8640]

Exactly

[@davidschurman3230]

Is DeJean a first round pick? I see a lot of negative comments about his play. What do nfl scouts have to say about him?

[@TheEconomicEqualizer]

What do you think about the Packers getting 2 seconds for their first round pick... at worst, an early 2nd and early third?

[@sambrinn5606]

I wonder if Brian Thomas was their at 20 would Gute ever think about trading up for him. Yeah i know we are good at WR but ive seen a few analysts suggest Thomas is better than everyome but Nabers. But you keep on hearing Thomas 15-25

[@shanebuske3311]

Have room for like 15 picks, IMO

[@Nater9-9]

I love the idea of moving 41 and 88/91 to move up into the early 30s…

[@sambrinn5606]

I think that's a bad idea. If we had a loaded team depth wise and everything, yes, but this is a loaded class and we need all those picks rather than that one pick in the 30's. I'm cool with trading up in first, like way up and getting rid of those picks and 25 if we could get a star in the top 10. But we need players and depth. What if Tom and Jenkins go down, what then. We gotta have depth at Oline and we will get them in those first 6-8 picks

[@shanebuske3311]

Peter needs to watch Tyler Guten, and lets see what he thinks, I don't think adds competition, project

[@user-vp3zy8dp3d]

I just don’t get the love for this guy, his hand placement and footwork is not good. I understand the athlecism and size is nice, his game is not.

[@KyleK2098]

Gute will stick to his board like he always does. DeJean, Guyton, and Wiggins could all be there at 25 and he’ll take an upside player projected to go way later

[@sambrinn5606]

Yeah, and he has a different board than EVERYONE. We never know what he's gonna do but that first pick is gonna be an athletic freak. Like a lottery ticket. That removes guard or center. It will be CB or OT if one slips

[@klohr311]

every season is going to be different. guys get hurt, guys go IR. guys regress. get as much as possible draft picks as possible. and lastly with hc and gm situation. i think matt sticks with his player and have their backs. guarantee kenny clark is going through the same thing as aaron jones. i wouldnt be surprised if they trade kenny clark.

[@13ebay]

Trade back draft Tampa and Nubin add picks and use later picks to move up. Improve the defense. Tired of being at the bottom run defense because of "history"

[@ElonMusk4FreeSpeech]

Darius Shaq Leonard!?!?!?! 😮

[@solarminer7194]

Just get as many top 100 as you can

[@KiddStriker17]

Trade down grab an extra day 2 pick & double up the double up

[@rondent2879]

McKinstry ran a 4.57 40,shoot D lineman Lukas VanNess ran a 4.58. Too slow for a DB.

[@gopackgogopackgo9818]

You love Tyler Guyton 😂😂😂

[@codyalger2792]

I’m just not high on him. He got destroyed all week at the east vs west stuff by all the d-linemen in the draft class. That’s a big concern. His frame is too

[@benjaminbrown3951]

I disagree peter...arron mosby has inside lb versatility, johnson jr. Logged lots of snaps,benny sapp is develomental.. We can go best player available..we can trade up 100 plus veteran free agents available post draft at vet min contracts....chill out

[@808bap]

I love how stubborn and stuck up other packers fans are it’s hilarious

[@SokemRokemRobot]

If Gute can evaluate/judge draft prospects properly, he won't need to trade up because there will be future stars throughout the draft. I just hope that he drafts prospects who can contribute immediately, instead of drafting projects. The best possible start for the Packers draft will be drafting Cooper DeJean at #25, imo. Otherwise, drafting for the OL should be the next plan of attack. My favorite OL prospects for #25 are Kingsley Suamataia, and Jordan Morgan. And then draft DB Renardo Green in the 2nd RD. Tyler Guyton is a very tall player who needs to play shorter, and can't do it.

[@ElonMusk4FreeSpeech]

In Gute we trust. Why not add LB Darius Leonard? It worked with Devondre Campbell.

[@michaelfloyd4379]

I want kool aid

[@DantonioCortez]

Ill be the first to admit it. I'm trying to win the Superbowl this year. With 1 or 2 added pieces from this draft. I think GB can. Call it Ted Thompson fatigue. No ho-hum draft. Gutey please be aggressive. Let's go all in. Give me a day 1 impact player. 1 game changer I don't hear of is the kid from Texas that ran a 4.2 forty. Imagine Jordan Love throwing to Tyrek Hill. That's scary

[@Bastillon]

That guy can't run routes or catch the football. He's not a WR3 on this roster, not even close.

[@Realsies]

Agreed. Don’t be fooled by a 40 time. Worthy is no Tyreek, not even close.

[@Nater9-9]

If you want to win now we trade up and get Quinyon Mitchell at CB or a true difference maker where we have a hole at the position. We don’t have a hole at WR.

[@SokemRokemRobot]

If the Packers get Cooper DeJean at #25, they'll have an impact player. Jordan Love has all the receivers he needs... all of them are game changers.

[@ToddHannah-pm1cc]

Houston gets it. Stroud gonna be MVP next year.