Dane Brugler’s Rankings Show How NFL Draft Class Fits Packers’ Needs

GREEN BAY, Wis. – To take the next step after reaching the playoffs in 2023, the Green Bay Packers have to fill some critical holes this offseason. Fortunately for general manager Brian Gutekunst:

One, he’s got plenty of draft capital to address their needs.

Two, the strengths of the draft largely align with those needs.

First, the draft capital: Thanks to the trades of Aaron Rodgers and Rasul Douglas, the Packers are scheduled to have five of the first 91 selections, with No. 25 of the first round, Nos. 41 and 58 of the second round, and Nos. 88 and 91 of the third round.

Second, team needs: Green Bay’s primary needs are in the defensive backfield with cornerback and safety. It could be looking to take a big swing at a franchise left tackle, as well. Perhaps not worthy of a first-round pick, but the Packers need a sidekick for running back Aaron Jones and might be looking to add an off-the-ball linebacker as defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley moves the team to a 4-3 base defense. Defensive tackle, defensive end and guard are needs, too.

The Athletic’s renowned draft expert, Dane Brugler, released his list of the top 100 prospects of the 2024 NFL Draft. It includes:

12 cornerbacks, with two inside the top 20, five between No. 20 and No. 50 and five from No. 51 to No. 100. That’s a lot of quality depth, which could allow Gutekunst to fill a different need with the first-round pick and then circle back for a cornerback in Day 2.

6 safeties, with two in the 40s and four between No. 51 and No. 100. Remember, the only safeties under contract are Anthony Johnson and Benny Sapp, so this is a huge need at a key position in Hafley’s scheme. Could the Packers strike with one of those second-round picks?

10 offensive tackles, with six inside the top 20, one between No. 20 and No. 50 and three between No. 51 and No. 63. In other words, if the Packers want an offensive tackle, they’ll have to get one early because the depth disappears in a hurry. Fortunately, they could do worse than giving Rasheed Walker another season at left tackle, and Zach Tom is a standout at right tackle.

7 running backs, with all of them ranking between No. 70 and No. 100. Jones’ domination down the stretch, and the offense’s struggles without him when he was sidelined or limited by hamstring and knee injuries, show why it’s imperative the Packers draft a quality running back. Brugler’s rankings suggest the Packers could get their man in the third round.

Jones’ Domination Shows Need to Draft Running Back

5 linebackers, with two toward the back half of the top 50 and three between No. 74 and No. 100. The need here hinges on whether the Packers bring back veteran De’Vondre Campbell. If they don’t, there is no obvious third starter alongside Quay Walker and Isaiah McDuffie.

8 defensive tackles, with one inside the top 20, two in the 30s and the other five between No. 51 and No. 100. All five of last year’s defensive tackles will return for 2024, so the need here is more of landing a high-impact player if one is available.

11 edge (4-3 defensive ends), with one inside the top 20, four between No. 20 and No. 50 and six between No. 51 and No. 100. Rashan Gary, Preston Smith and Lukas Van Ness will anchor the group. The Packers will need a fourth player following Kingsley Enagbare’s torn ACL. While the immediate need is about depth, Smith is the oldest player on the defense at 31 and Gutekunst frequently has drafted for the future.

4 centers and 8 guards: The Packers probably feel good about lining up with Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers and Sean Rhyan in 2024, but depth is a necessity. Three guards and one center fit in that third-round area.

Helping Gutekunst’s cause is the team is set at quarterback with Jordan Love, at receiver with Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks and Bo Melton, and tight end with Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft.

In Brugler’s Top 100, there are:

8 quarterbacks, including three of the top 10.

4 tight ends.

17 receivers, including four in the top 20 and 11 in the top 50. All those talented pass-catchers should push quality players into the lap of Gutekunst.

Jones’ Domination Shows Need to Draft Running Back

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