Final Predictions for the Packers’ 11 Picks in the 2024 NFL Draft
Predicting 11 players the Packers will take in the 2024 NFL Draft.
By markoldacres
The 2024 NFL Draft is just two days away, and soon a new crop of Packers will be selected.
Green Bay is due to pick 11 times between Thursday and Saturday. They could end up with more or less than that number, but here are my final 11 predictions, in no particular order, for who Brian Gutekunst will select.
Jordan Morgan - Offensive Tackle - Arizona
There are more quality offensive linemen available in the first two rounds of this draft than any in recent memory, and it would be surprising if the Packers did not use one of their first three picks to add someone to the room.
My pick is Morgan, who is athletic, fits the general size Green Bay prefers, and plays left tackle, which is another thing they tend to value. Despite his shorter arms, I believe Morgan can and will play tackle for the Packers.
Edgerrin Cooper - Linebacker - Texas A&M
Green Bay needs help at linebacker, and they have been linked to Cooper throughout the process. He is the kind of athlete they covet and has the ability to be a true three-down linebacker with development.
Gutekunst has spoken many times about the need for players who can do everything. There are not many of those at linebacker in this draft, and Cooper is one of them.
Javon Bullard - Safety - Georgia
I have become convinced Bullard is going to be the first player the Packers pick this weekend. He checks so many of the boxes they have historically seemed to care about in Gutekunst’s tenure.
It would be seen as a reach, but Bullard has the capability to play both slot corner and free safety at a very high level. He is young, athletic, and went to Georgia. That is a Packer.
Dominick Puni - Offensive Tackle - Kansas
Another left tackle with premier physical traits, Puni makes a world of sense for Green Bay. There is data to suggest the short shuttle drill is a strong indicator of success for offensive linemen, and Puni’s 4.40 shuttle puts him in an elite and exclusive group.
He has experience at both tackle and guard, which the Packers like, and would likely be a late day two/early day three selection.
Javon Baker - Wide Receiver - UCF
The lone wide receiver on this list. Watch Baker play for five minutes and tell me he is not a Packer.
He is one of most underrated receivers in this draft, and it would be on brand for Green Bay to end up snagging him on day three. Baker has strong Dontayvion Wicks vibes and would be worth adding, even to a crowded receiver room.
Trevin Wallace - Linebacker - Kentucky
Wallace has been mocked to the Packers frequently in recent weeks, and it is easy to see why. He is a supreme athlete, and while the tape leaves plenty to be desired, he is exactly the kind of developmental player Green Bay has taken in the past. Quay Walker, anyone?
Kitan Oladapo - Safety - Oregon State
The Packers likely need to double-dip at safety during this draft, and Oladapo would be the bigger safety to complement Bullard.
He shows the ability to do everything modern safeties are asked to do, and could be a late-round steal.
Isaiah Davis - Running Back - South Dakota State
With Josh Jacobs, A.J. Dillon and Emmanuel Wilson representing strong short-term options who are not guaranteed to be on the team beyond 2024, Davis makes sense as a player Green Bay can bring along and later hand a more prominent role.
Fabien Lovett - Defensive Tackle - Florida State
With plenty of smaller defensive tackles on the roster who specialize in rushing the passer, the Packers could use a bigger body to act as a succession plan for T.J. Slaton, and maybe even Kenny Clark.
Heavier D-linemen are few and far between in this draft, but Lovett would fit the ball as a late round addition.
Ryan Watts - Defensive Back - Texas
It remains to be seen whether Watts ends up a corner or a safety at the next level, but he has solid tape and the athleticism for either position. Watts would be worth a gamble, and at worst should become a strong special-teamer.
Karsen Barnhart - Offensive Line - Michigan
Barnhart’s athletic profile strongly resembles that of Jon Runyan Jr., and they went to the same school. Barnhart played all over the offensive line in college and is exactly the type of late-round lineman the Packers have hit on in the past.
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Mark Oldacres is a sports writer from Birmingham, England and a Green Bay Packers fan. You can follow him on twitter at @MarkOldacres
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Comments (36)
Alberta_Packer
April 23, 2024 at 01:04 pm
It's almost a given that Gutekunst will do something startling in the Draft. Like a Javon Baker pick? I wouldn't bet a lot of money against it. Also glad to see Karsen Barnhart in a mock draft. One of my Draft Sleepers.
Johnblood27
April 23, 2024 at 02:58 pm
I can feel more than one trade that completely shakes up everyones predictions.
I have a feeling that the current draft slots do not line up with the talent/position/availability that GB/Gutey targets. My big board player slotting certainly does not fall where the guys I think are great fits fall in coordination with the current GBP selections.
Lots of picks, lots of potential moves.
Get ready for CHAOS!!!
Alberta_Packer
April 23, 2024 at 05:10 pm
As I recently commented - I think that this is going to be one humdinger of a draft for GB. I'm predicting at least 3 trades by Gutekunst and at least 1-2 out of left field picks.
I also align with your thinking that our fan and media mocks can only vaguely resemble what may be GBs draft board. That is why I don't spend too much time on doing actual mocks. While a bit of fun - given all the variables - I find it an exercise in futility. Instead I compile a list of players by position - whom I think will appeal to the Packers - while adding some I like. Then allocating a round or rounds in which they may be selected. In this way "close" is good enough for me - rather than "exact."
WD
April 23, 2024 at 01:45 pm
I like the first three picks. However, waiting until the 6th round to draft a RB. Seriously? I assume Gute was serious when he said he wanted a change of pace speedy RB. Isaiah Davis ain't even close. There are soooooo.... many RBs better in this draft. All of the good ones will go in round three at the latest. This is likely Dillon's last year. We need an upgrade not a downgrade.
Alberta_Packer
April 23, 2024 at 02:21 pm
Other 3/4 round RB candidates could be Ray Davis (a Packers visit) Marshawn Lloyd and Tyrone Tracey Jr. Even Isaac Guerrendo - around the 5th round would seem to complement the RB group.
Johnblood27
April 23, 2024 at 03:00 pm
Really no NEED this year.
RB can be a plug and play, draft year fill in, and RB devaluation makes each draft an opportunity to use early capital when a NEED actually exists. There is no need to "draft and develop" a RB.
Maybe a mid-late flyer if the guy has ST value too, but not at the expense of filling some real roster holes. GB has Jacobs, Dillon and Wilson now. A couple UDFA's will work for depth unless a good fit drops into round 6-7 territory. IMO...
Coldworld
April 23, 2024 at 02:16 pm
“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.”
Bill Shankly
Just like the draft “must have” choices of fans everywhere at this time of year.
Johnblood27
April 23, 2024 at 03:03 pm
maybe YOUR 'must haves' are not important, but MINE are certainly critical!
Untylu1968
April 23, 2024 at 03:03 pm
My favorite part of the draft just might be how people go completely ape shit crazy over players selected or not selected, without having a clue on how they'll do in the pros. Sometimes, I just jump right to the comments for entertainment value.
Alberta_Packer
April 23, 2024 at 03:12 pm
Imagining his epitaph - "Bill Shankly - a serious man."
golfpacker1
April 23, 2024 at 02:17 pm
Love Jordan Morgan-after a trade back- not @ #25
OK with Cooper @ #41 but would love Gray @ #58
No to Bullard @ #58-he is 5th after Nubin,Fisher,Hicks and Kinchen
Love Puni-He does everything Barton does and @ pick #88
No to Baker-we don't need WR-at least until 7th round
No to Wallace-this draft gets an F if Wallace is our FIX @ LB
Love Oladapo especially this late
Like Isaiah Davis-but this draft now gets an F+ for missing all those better RBs
Fabian Lovett won't make the team-Draft Myles Cole-Edge and get a TOP 3 DT in 2025 draft
Like Ryan Watts-but Love Dominique Hampton or Tyler Owens better
MEH Carson Barnhart-should have taken Zach Frazier @ #41
Then Cedric Gray @ #58
One of Bishop, Hicks, Kinchen @ #88
Traded back from #91 and still got Marshawn Lloyd, Isacc Gurendo, Bucky Irving, Ray Davis plus another 4th
LLCHESTY
April 23, 2024 at 02:25 pm
Fisher? Do you mean Bishop? I'd rather he waited a round and grabbed Mustapha. There's no depth so draft another S or two later and let them compete to start.
Coldworld
April 23, 2024 at 02:35 pm
The combination of linebackers and safeties taken and their strong points will be very interesting and illuminating hopefully. We may not agree on Mustapha as the ideal SS. Personally I’m leaning towards Carlies, but we do agree on the need for depth.
We need more than one option and we need players for sub packages too as well development later. I’m not convinced there’s a single individual who profiles as well deep as in the box. So we need to have options active and we need a credible back up FS. It’s not seeming likely that one pick fixes all at LB or particularly at S.
jannesbjornson
April 23, 2024 at 02:38 pm
Not as smart, efficient, or dynamic as Mustapha. The Missouri crew all played in one direction, running downhill.
LLCHESTY
April 23, 2024 at 02:56 pm
Yeah, I think they're better off drafting situational players and making do this year rather than reaching for a player or being forced to play a guy out of position. At LB a lot depends on how they feel about Walker and where they think his best fit is but I've seen a couple people say next year's LB class is predicted to be better. If they like Walker at Will drafting a two down middle LB and then a good coverage guy makes sense.
golfpacker1
April 23, 2024 at 05:38 pm
Thanks LL, I did mean Bishop. Apparently my brain can't handle 2 thoughts at once. I am also a big fan of Mustapha.
Alberta_Packer
April 23, 2024 at 02:50 pm
* Yes to Morgan - after a trade down + extra third pick.
* @41 - a Gutekunst surprise - Marshawn Kneeland / Darius Robinson
* If Puni not available then Caedan Wallace. Another Penn State OT. Because what is better than one Penn State OT ...?
* Never got the buzz around Trevin Wallace. His impressive athletic tools have not matched his on-field I.Q. and production.
* As an aside - Nubin, Kinchens and Bullock are all off my board due to poor RASs and/ poor tackling.
blondy45
April 23, 2024 at 04:13 pm
I am a Penn State loyal fan. My two favorites this year are Curtis Jacobs OLB in the 5th round. Adisa Isaac Edge in the 3rd round. I was all on board with OT Walker last year way before the 7th round. Not a Caeden Wallace OT fan, unless he lasts until the 7th round,
blondy45
April 23, 2024 at 05:18 pm
Many regard Donald Driver as one of the best late round steals for the Packers. Hopefully Rasheed Walker can continue his NFL career as a 7th round pick & play another 5-8 years at a high level at the needed OT position. That would be a steal in my book. Keep healthy Rasheed!
golfpacker1
April 23, 2024 at 05:40 pm
Wallace definitely not in 3rd, 4th, or 5th.
Alberta_Packer
April 23, 2024 at 07:26 pm
I've seen Wallace as high as the 3rd and as low as the 7th - with the median being the 5th round. I like Puni and Fisher more than Wallace. Yet I do wonder that after the Rasheed Walker windfall - if the Packers will re-visit the Penn State well.
Alberta_Packer
April 23, 2024 at 07:28 pm
A question. How would you differentiate Wallace from Walker?
stockholder
April 23, 2024 at 04:53 pm
Morgan is a quality type pick.
If DeJean is gone and No trade up.
I disagree with your safety evaluations.
And since you liked TJ TAMPA as does Kiper=
I think TJ Tampa should be considered at #58.
And then move him to safety.
Why - I'm thinking Winfield - Kill two birds with 1 stone.
jannesbjornson
April 24, 2024 at 08:37 am
I would consider Cam Hart as a savvy CB who can also transition to Safety. Tampa doesn't have a resume of snagging INTs, but played against Big 12 QBs who generally run Air Raid attacks.
LLCHESTY
April 23, 2024 at 03:50 pm
Really had to drop in this one but three 2nds was too much to pass up. Don't believe DeJean will be there at 41 but stranger things have happened.
41.
Cooper DeJean
S Iowa
50.
Ruke Orhorhoro
DT Clemson
58.
Zach Frazier
OC West Virginia
72.
Cole Bishop
S Utah
88.
Kiran Amegadjie
OT Yale
97.
Brandon Coleman
OG TCU
111.
Jarrian Jones
CB Florida State
126.
Jonah Elliss
EDGE Utah
188.
Evan Williams
S Oregon
202.
Edefuan Ulofoshio
LB Washington
214.
NFL
Nathaniel Watson
LB Mississippi State
245.
Kimani Vidal
RB Troy
255
Nick Gargiulo
OC South Carolina
2025 PHI 2nd
Matt
April 23, 2024 at 04:37 pm
Although CB is not the position of our biggest need I think we should grab one in 1st. When it comes to OL there are many quality players projected to be 2nd or even 3rd rounders and I think we could find good value there. No safety is worth 1st round. No LB is worth 1st round. We'll see.
SDPack
April 23, 2024 at 04:39 pm
Can’t say I can put a name on a pick, but based on position strength relative to each round, I came up with this strategy for the Pack:
1 OL - draft is top heavy. Immediate starter. Tackle.
2 LB - very thin. Get one now or miss out. Immediate starter.
2 CB - lots of 2nd round rated guys. Possible starter or dime
3 S - thin talent pool. Need to have one by round 3. Immediate starter
3 OL - not many good ones after round 3. Interior line/center. Grab a second one while the going is good, like TE last year.
4 RB - One of the top 5 will fall to 4th round.
5 S - need depth
6 DL - good day 3 depth at this position
6 Edge - practice squad
7 LB - practice squad
7 QB - practice squad
Alberta_Packer
April 23, 2024 at 06:58 pm
Reasonable and relatively realistic.
pantz_bURp
April 23, 2024 at 06:06 pm
You ready for this? Cooper DeJean is still available when the Packers are on the clock.
They DO NOT select him. Book it! I have been correct with every Packer 1st round pick since 1976 (when the Farrah Fawcett poster came out).
You can bet your Pet Rock and 8-track player on it.
**Lil' hint: he was born in Hoof Hearted, MT
Peace,
P-Burp
Starrbrite
April 23, 2024 at 08:08 pm
Lol—good one Pantz. And except for last year, I’ve been wrong with the 1st pick for a several years.
In any case, I’m still predicting DeJean—mostly because I like him.
Go Packers!!!
WestWi_Packfan
April 23, 2024 at 08:20 pm
I think Gute will hold em at pick 25 and select either Barton or DeJean if one of them is still there, then with the #41 pick trade up into the front of the 2nd round and take either McKinstry or one of the stud Tackles that are pretty deep in this draft, one should be left by then depending on what they got in the first round. With pick 88 I would bet that a LB might be the target but with Gute anything might happen, can't wait to find out.
SDPack
April 23, 2024 at 09:52 pm
All makes sense. I don’t totally get everyone’s love affair with DeJean. A lot of athletic DBs can be found without a #1 pick. I think finding insane athletic traits in the big guys is much more difficult so I lean towards us taking a tackle #1, but would not be surprised if Gutey shocks us if one of those big nasty DLs falls to us. Clark and Slaton could be gone next year. Jer’Zhan Newton or Byron Murphy would look nice in green and gold on a rookie deal!
Starrbrite
April 23, 2024 at 10:32 pm
This afternoon, Mike Wahle was on a sports talk show in Rapid City, SD . He said a “good enough” O-lineman wouldn’t fall to pick 25 and suggested taking another position.
IMO, DeJean is far more than merely athletic—some here have compared him to a poor man’s Woodson; that’s good enough for me.
SDPack
April 23, 2024 at 11:58 pm
I don’t know Starrbrite. I am clearly not an NFL talent evaluator but I watched some clips. I don’t see any of the DBs, including DeJean, as generational. I would say he is most likely boom or bust. The other guys rated as round 1 seem more pure CBs with higher floors, but maybe not higher ceilings. Maybe I take DeJean at 25 if my favorite OT guys are off the board and no other Top 15 guys fell to us. He would be my safety valve - pun intended.
SDPack
April 24, 2024 at 12:27 am
With 11 picks in this draft, Gutey has the luxury to very simply pick the highest rated player on his board at 25. So if any of his highest rated players drop, he will take him regardless of position. The problem is we don’t know his draft board. If you look at the pundits, their top 20’s vary a lot. Good luck finding out where guys like Chop Robinson, DeJean, Verse, etc, will truly get drafted. Seems like a lot of parity. I’ll use a “consensus” board I found for this exercise. Assuming we do not take a QB, pretty safe, I also assume certain players for sure will be gone- Caleb, Maye, Daniel’s, Harrison, Nabers, Alt, Odunze, Bowers, Turner, Mitchell. After those top 10, draft boards fragment. It’s likely someone from the next 10 will fall somehow. Those 10 are Fashanu, Arnold, Fuaga, Latu, Verse, Fautanu, DeJean, Murphy, Newton, Latham. If any of those guys fall to 25, Gutey scoops him up and he will be your next Green Bay Packer! If no premium player falls to them, they try and trade out of the pick and collect an extra day 2 pick this year or a premium pick for next year.
Starrbrite
April 24, 2024 at 10:10 am
Can’t disagree.