When evaluating potential Draft targets, consider how the Green Bay Packers achieved unexpected success at the close of the 2023 season. They advanced to the divisional round, when they were nearly defeated by eventual Super Bowl runners-up, the San Francisco 49ers. This came after they defeated the Dallas Cowboys against the odds in the Wildcard round, scoring 48 points at AT&T Stadium.
The NFL odds had them far from the favorites for the Super Bowl, so reaching the divisional rounds was a tremendous accomplishment. The draft could be critical to them taking the next stage; the NFL draft odds Blake Corum indicate they have an outside chance of acquiring Blake Corum, who would be a valuable acquisition.
The most important story heading into the season was, of course, the quarterback situation. Back in April, legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers bid an emotional farewell to the New York Jets, creating a vacancy as starting quarterback at Lambeu Field. Jordan Love was picked to succeed the four-time NFL MVP, but there were concerns about his ability to make the move up. He exceeded expectations by ending the season with 32 completed touchdowns (2nd overall), 4,159 passing yards (7th overall), and a 62.1 QB rating (9th overall).
A remarkable run of form that saw them win six of their last eight regular season games propelled them to a 9-8 record and a playoff spot.
Cheeseheads will undoubtedly want to capitalize on a successful season, and with Love now firmly established as quarterback, they can begin constructing around him. This season’s NFL odds are likely to favor them, and the 2024 draft will be critical to their chances. With Caleb Williams, Marvin Harrisson, and Drake Maye all confirmed for the portal, who will they turn to as potential draft targets?
It appears like at least one of the Packers’ early picks will be spent on an offensive lineman. David Bakhtiari missed the season after just one game in 2023, right guard was a rotation option, and center Josh Myers underperformed expectations.
Although the offensive line performed rather well on all metrics, it was and continues to be evident that they are poor there. Brian Gutekunst, the general manager, has some solid capital with the 25th, 41st, and 58th picks.
Amarius Mims, an offensive tackle from Georgia, appears to be one of the most likely candidates based on NFL draft betting odds. He had an excellent combine performance, clocking a 5.07 second 40-yard sprint and earning a RAS score of 9.5. He stands six feet eight and weighs 340 pounds. His hands measured a huge 11 ΒΌ”. It’s also worth mentioning that Gutekunst has picked four Bulldogs in the first round in the last four years, so Mims certainly fits the mold.
Offensive line prospects in the draft include Joe Alt, Olu Fashanu, and JC Latham, all of whom have impressed. Latham is an excellent run blocker, which the Packers classified in the bottom five of the league in 2023, but these prospects may go earlier than the Packers can draft right now.
The Packers desperately need a safety and a cornerback. Darnell Savage, Rudy Ford, and Jonathan Owens all appear to be headed for free agency, and Gutekunst would have kept an eye on safety at the combine. Minnesota’s Tyler Nubin appears to be one of the top defensive backfield prospects, though he may go earlier than the Packers can pick. They also need a cornerback.Jaire Alexander had a terrible season. He was out for nine games due to injury, and
then a suspension forced him to sit on the bench. Alexander, who was expected to set a good example, failed miserably, while Eric Stokes and Keisean Nixon did little to impress in his absence.
Carrington Valentine was powerful, however, and a change in defensive techniques could help him advance further in 2024. However, with Corey Ballentine and Robert Rochell both expected to approach free agency, the Packers will need numbers, and at least one second-round pick will be spent on defensive backfielders, if not both.
Terrion Arnold, Quinyon Mitchell, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Cooper DeJean, and Nate Wiggins are all top 50 draft prospects according to NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah and could be of interest to Gutekunst.
With such a need at tackle, safety, and cornerback, Gutekunst may trade up for a higher pick if one of his prospective Draft targets becomes available. They have a solid amount of Draft capital, and a trade up for the New Orleans Saints’ 14th pick could be the way to go. They could profit from additional players on rookie contracts because they are cutting things close to the cap and do not have a third or fourth round pick.
However, majority of the Packers’ tradeable assets are offensive players, and they are unlikely to want to dismantle the instruments Love used to achieve such success in 2023.
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to book Green Bay Packers players or alumni for a corporate event or product promotion. Our booking agents will strive on your behalf to secure the greatest pricing for your preferred sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has built a reputation as the go-to agency for booking top sportsmen to speak at events and tradeshows. Please call us immediately to learn more about Packers players’ and alumni’s appearance costs and booking fees. www.MayfieldSports.com.
Wisconsin Sports Heroics is delighted to collaborate with Radtke Sports to provide autographed items. Brett Favre, Rob Gronkowski, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and MORE guaranteed authentic collectibles and memorabilia, including signed jerseys, photographs, and more, at www.RadtkeSports.com. Use the coupon code WSH to get FREE SHIPPING on your purchase. Certain restrictions may apply.
