Welcome to the offseason!The Green Bay Packers’ offseason began a month ago after a disappointing loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional playoffs. They have since hired a defensive coordinator and are looking for a season in 2024 where they can overcome the challenge of playing in the Super Bowl Sunday for the first time since February 2011. From now until the end of April, we’ll run a mock draft each week to simulate how general manager Brian Gutekunst will attack his needs to help grow the roster.This week I used the Pro Football Focus simulator.
Here’s how things go.Round 1, pick 25: Ennis Rakestraw, Jr., CB, Missouri.Rakestro, who was expected to be one of the senior bowl sensations, has been sidelined with an injury that is not expected to be a long-term problem. Jaire Alexander will be part of the cornerback room under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.General manager Brian Gutekunst was very direct with a one-word answer when asked if he would consider trading Alexander. “Not”.It seems too simple.The room beyond Alexander is full of question marks. Eric Stokes has been on the injured list three times. Played around and tried to catch the rust.
Casey Nixon is a free agent. This includes Corey Valentine. Carrington Valentine had a breakout rookie season.That means Green Bay’s biggest need for 2024 could be right around the corner. Enter Rakstro, an aggressive cornerback who could fit into Hafley’s scheme and be more aggressive than Joe Barry’s. Second Round, Pick #41: Graham Barton, OL, DukeGraham Barton is an offensive lineman for the Green Bay Packers. He has positional versatility as he played both shortstop and outfield during his college days.Because he has short arms, he could be drafted as a guard or center if he moves to the NFL.
The Packers might need one of those spots.At center, Josh Myers is entering a contract year and has been plagued by inconsistency in his first three years. With John Runyan leaving in free agency, Sean Ryan will be the first shot at right guard. In 2023, he recorded 183 hits in 12 games. Under Brian Gutekunst, the Packers selected Elgton Jenkins with the 44th overall pick and he started for the team as a rookie. They also used a second round pick on Myers. Gutekunst wasn’t afraid to attack the interior of his offensive line early and often.Barton can provide that option as well as the versatility to respond when the team is in trouble. Second Round, Pick #58: Jonathan Brooks, RB, TexasAthletic Dane Bruegler’s rankings do not include consecutive top-69 picks.Brooks checked in at No. 70 and was Brugler’s top player.
Brooks’ upside is something Green Bay lacks in the backcourt outside of Aaron Jones.One question concerns his health. He tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in November, so his chances to start the season are uncertain. With Green Bay having so many picks in the top 100 of the draft, it could be a risk for Brooks, and they plan to re-sign him as a rookie in 2025 before releasing him for good. Third Round, Pick #88: Blake Corum, RB, MichiganRemember when Ted Thompson joined Eddie Lacy and Jonathan Franklin in scoring in double figures after the 2012 season?
The combination of Brooks and Blake Corum plays into a similar, if not perfect, stylistic juxtaposition to Lacy and Franklin. Corum had more than 600 carries at Michigan, and some questions were raised about his workload when he entered the NFL.He’s a tough, physical runner who excels in short-yardage situations despite questions about his size. Corum’s performance at the NFL Scouting Combine will be important because the Packers generally prefer running backs taller than Corum’s 6-foot-1. However, Gutekunst broke Ron Wolff’s threshold of fame several times during his tenure as general manager.
Wasn’t used much as a receiver, but showed capable hands in limited opportunities.If the actual draft is similar to this mock, Corum would be a plus for Aaron Jones as a rookie and part of a potential partnership with Brooks. 3rd round, 91st pick: Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas StateCooper Beebe will be another inside blocker. But still, the Packers could use the position as two players, Josh Myers and Royce Newman, enter contract season. The offensive line is suffering from attrition. Interior design in Green Bay is very rare. If anyone gets hurt, Newman will be next.Beebe can play either guard or center.
If nothing else, Beebe provides coverage at both spots, which could make him a premium starter.Round 4, pick 126: Jayden Hicks, C, Washington State.According to Brugler’s Top 100, Hicks would be a steal late in the fourth round. Brugler said of Hicks:He has a versatile skill set that allows him to play with high speed and the low ball, filling the lane in a hurry or covering big targets in space. Although still a work in progress, Hicks plays with confidence and comfort, using his athletic instincts to guide the game.
The Packers safety position is vacant. They’ll likely use at least one pick at the position, and possibly more if the board goes in the right direction.Rounds 5-7: Tight ends, kickers included.Ben Sinnott, TE, Kansas State; Andrew Coker, T, TCU; Khalid Duke (EDGE, Kansas); Tim Smith, DL, Alabama; Harrison Maywis, K, Missouri.
