26 Days Until NFL Draft: Packers Add ‘Foundational Base’ In Seven-Round Mock
The 2024 NFL Draft will begin in less than four weeks. Here are the Green Bay Packers’ selections in the latest batch of mock drafts.
GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers will enter the 2024 NFL Draft with holes on their offensive line. At the very least, the Packers will be looking for depth at tackle and guard, with the offseason departures of David Bakhtiari, Yosh Nijman and Jon Runyan.
Offensive line is the theme in this fresh batch of mock drafts.
Pro Football Network (7 Rounds): Oklahoma OT Tyler Guyton
With Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean on the board, the choice was Guyton in this seven-round mock. “Guyton brings terrific size, speed, and athleticism, as well as a great foundational base for the Packers for years to come,” Cam Mellor wrote.
With powerful Josh Jacobs and AJ Dillon atop the backfield depth chart, the Packers grabbed the explosive Florida State running back Trey Benson to kick off the second round. He ranked among the national leaders in yards per carry and broke 4.4 seconds in the 40 at the Combine.
The third-round picks filled big needs on defense with Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Maryland safety Beau Brade. Another linebacker, Nebraska’s Luke Reimer, was added in the seventh.
Trotter put up big-time production during his final two seasons with 177 tackles, 12 sacks, 28.5 tackles for losses, four interceptions and three forced fumbles. Reier had 108 tackles and three forced fumbles in 2021 and added a career-high 7.5 tackles for losses in 2023.
NFL.com (Eric Edholm): Duke OL Graham Barton
In his latest mock draft for NFL.com, Eric Edholm went with this year’s version of Zach Tom with Duke’s Graham Barton. Barton was a three-year starter at left tackle but played center as a freshman. The interior is perhaps his ultimate destination but he could fill in everywhere if he can’t beat out Sean Rhyan at right guard as a rookie.
Noting how Green Bay loves versatility among its linemen, Edholm wrote: “He fits a similar athletic profile to the departed Jon Runyan but with a higher ceiling as a player.”
Four offensive linemen rounded out Edholm’s first round, including Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton and Georgia’s Amarius Mims.
NFL.com (Charles Davis): Clemson CB Nate Wiggins
After an early run at quarterback, Davis went with Wiggins, who played tight coverage in the ACC and ran the second-fastest 40 at the Scouting Combine.
“The Packers give new DC Jeff Hafley another talented defender to play opposite Jaire Alexander in the secondary,” Charles Davis wrote.
Wiggins was the choice over Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw and a couple cornerbacks.
The Ringer: Iowa CB Cooper DeJean
In Danny Kelly’s latest, the Packers grabbed “uber-athletic” Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean, who brings an excellent combination of athleticism, toughness and ball skills to the defense. He played mostly cornerback for the Hawkeyes with some action in the slot. He didn’t play safety, though that’s where at least some teams view his best position.
He was the choice over Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins and three offensive linemen.
Fox Sports: Oklahoma OT Tyler Guyton
Jason McIntyre went with the Sooners’ right tackle to replace former All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari.
CBS Sports: Missouri CB Ennis Rakestraw
Rakestraw ran a poor 40 at the Scouting Combine and wasn’t much better at pro day, but he said that’s because of offseason surgery. He’s one of the stickiest cover men in the draft and plays with physicality against the run but had only one interception in four seasons.
Wrote Kyle Stockpole: “The Packers have used 12 of their past 13 first-round picks on the defensive side of the ball -- with the lone offensive player being Jordan Love -- and I expect that to continue this year. Ennis Rakestraw Jr. didn't test great at the Combine, but he's energetic, physical and productive. He'll fit in just fine on this Green Bay defense.”
Draft Wire: UCLA edge Laiatu Latu
Curt Popejoy didn’t provide any explanations, so we’ll do it here. Latu is arguably the best pass rusher in the NFL. Defensive end in the news scheme isn’t a big need, but it wasn’t in 2019, either, when general manager Brian Gutekunst drafted Rashan Gary after signing Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith.
Preston Smith, Gary and last year’s first-round pick, Lukas Van Ness, will anchor this year’s group but Smith is the oldest player on the roster and Kingsley Enagbare will miss most of the season following a torn ACL.
