There are a variety of ways in which Brian Gutekunst could choose to use the Packers’ first round pick. One choice, would be to stick and pick. Since becoming GM of the Green Bay Packers in 2018, Gutekunst has picked from his original position 5 times. If the Packers trade pick 23, it will be the first time since 2020 . This is excluding the pick swap involved in the Aaron Rodgers trade.
If a trade does go ahead, there are three options. The least likely option based on recent history, would be to trade it for a superstar (i.e. Myles Garrett). Gutey hasn’t ruled out trading for a star edge rusher, but I would not be holding out hope. The other two options are to use the pick to move up or down in the draft. But what could drive these different decisions?
Trade for a Superstar
The Green Bay Packers are one of the teams that loves to have a first round pick. But, should an opening arise, Gutekunst would be foolish to resist. On Friday, a story broke indicating the Packers had been in talks with the Seahawks over wide receiver DK Metcalf. Initial reports indicated a trade would require a first rounder plus a player in exchange for the wideout. However, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, reported no such talks were in place.
Following Saturday night’s trade of Deebo Samuel from the 49ers to the Commanders, in exchange for a 5th round pick, it now seems unlikely that a trade for a receiver would involve a first round pick, unless in an exchange.
Should the Packers trade pick 23 for a player, it would most likely be for an edge rusher. Both Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby are seemingly available for trade. Crosby is a former teammate of both Keisean Nixon and Josh Jacobs. Both advocated for moving to the Packers.
Green Bay struggled to generate pressure against the top teams using a four man front. Following the success of the Eagles in the Super Bowl, the Packers may look to add one of the star rushers to get them over the top in their quest to bring the Lombardi home. The Browns have now began listening to calls for Garrett. With the increased salary cap, the major hurdle now will be agreeing a deal.
Trade Up in the First Round
The Packers tend to trade their first rounder on draft night in order to move around. In 2020 they traded up in order to draft Jordan Love, in a move that shocked the world. So why might they trade up this year? The general consensus is that after top 12-15 players in the current class, there is a drop off in player quality. So should they decide they want to get a higher quality player they may look to make a big jump up the board.
Another reason could be to move above the Chargers. Both teams are in need of a top edge rusher, as well as some help on the interior of both lines (per NFL.com). If there is a player at one of these positions that the Packers fall in love with, don’t be shocked to see them trade up, similar to their attitude towards drafting Christian Watson in 2022.
If the Green Bay Packers trade pick 23 to move up in the draft, they might also do it in order to grab a player who is sliding in the draft unexpectedly. The Eagles have had success doing this in recent years. With pressure building on the team to reach the Super Bowl after a 14 year hiatus, the Gutey may choose to reduce his number of picks in this, and future drafts, in order to secure a talent he feels could help propel the team to it’s first division title since 2021.
Trade Down in the First Round
In my opinion, this is what the Packers should and will do. Due to the nature of this year’s draft, the Green Bay Packers would be better trading down towards the end of the first round in order to pick up a third day 2 pick. Lance Zierline recently appeared on the Heed the Call podcast, where he described this draft as a meat and potatoes draft. One with not a lot of elite skill position prospects, but plenty available in the trenches.
After an underwhelming pass rush in 2024, the Packers might look to add an extra pick for extensive depth on both lines. A limited offensive line depth haunted Green Bay during their season ending defeat in Philly. There are also a lot of day 2 graded receivers and corners, and with an extra pick Green Bay could solidify more holes with higher end talent.
In his recent Mock Draft Monday video on Packer Report, Ross Uglem discussed his strategy for the draft. He had the Green Bay Packers trade pick 23 to the Chiefs, and move down to 30. Moving down 7 spots in a draft where there isn’t much difference between prospects ranked 20 and 60, is preferable, especially if you can pick up a valuable pick on top.
So should the Packers Trade Pick 23?
If the Green Bay Packers trade pick 23, I would assume it would be to trade down. Gutekunst has grown use to having a multitude of picks in order to move around the draft. He definitely would like more. (As discussed here by Dan DePottey). If Gutekunst believes that he can trade down, pick up a good prospect in the first round, and grab an extra pick, I would be amazed if he didn’t snap up the opportunity.
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