There are only 16 days until the 2024 NFL Draft begins in Detroit. The Green Bay Packers have 11 draft picks, but they don’t have many obvious needs, so I don’t see them using all of them. As a result, I expect Brian Gutekunst to move up or down throughout the three-day tournament. The Packers’ draft begins at selection 25 right now. Here’s why I think they’ll move out of selection 25.
The Green Bay Packers have the ability to be aggressive on days 2 and 3.
If the Green Bay Packers trade out of selection 25, they are unlikely to receive a second or third-round draft pick, but they might return in the second, third, or fourth rounds.
For example, if the Packers traded selection 25 and went with pick 28, they would most likely receive a third or fourth round pick in return. They could utilize it to either move back into the second round for the third time or save that pick because an impact player can still be found early in Round 3.
For what it’s worth, I don’t believe the Green Bay Packers will return in the first round. They have a lot of options and not many obvious needs. I wouldn’t be surprised if Gutekunst gets promoted many times this year. He has the funds to do it.
Gain More Impact Players
The Green Bay Packers have a lot of quality players, but they could use more depth on the offensive line and secondary. I believe such groupings can have many position battles in training camp. Trading back would result in more impact players for certain position groupings that require it.
In instance, adding another fourth-round pick typically results in a player making the 53-man roster for at least two seasons. I see the offensive line as a place where you can add players in the third and fourth rounds who can help in a position battle or if injuries occur.
Trade for current NFL players.
I would not shut the idea of the Green Bay Packers trading for a veteran during the draft. For example, it is not a good safety class this year. If Brian Gutekunst does not get the safety he wants in the draft, he could use the capital he got back from trading out of pick 25 to get a safety.
It might not be just safety, but any position really. I would be shocked if Gutekunst keeps the draft capital he had and stays put. It makes more sense to move up in the draft, but there is always a possibility he moves back from pick 25 and uses it to his advantage.
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A reunion with Darrius Shepherd makes sense for Green Bay’s special teams.
The UFL provides an enjoyable football experience at a time when it is greatly needed. It also accomplishes several things better than the NFL and has many exciting athletes to watch. While I am primarily a Green Bay Packers supporter, I cannot dispute that the Kaw is the Law.
Even if you’re not a fan of the UFL, it has some relevance to the Packers.
Every avenue of player acquisition is critical to a successful NFL organization, and the Packers are no exception. Many of these spring league players are demonstrating that they deserve a serious shot at an NFL career, giving teams the opportunity to acquire seasoned players.
Many teams, including the Packers, signed ex-XFL and USFL players last season. While the UFL is yet in its inaugural season, Darrius Shepherd, an old buddy and current St. Louis Battlehawks receiver, stands out as a promising player. Shepherd’s Packers ties, UFL success, and familiarity with the UFL kickoff rules make him an appealing possibility as a return specialist this offseason.
Shepherd played two seasons for Green Bay in 2019 and 2020. He drew attention in the spring as an interesting UDFA, spending the majority of his time on the practice squad, but the Packers added him to the active roster for 14 games.
Unfortunately, Shepherd did not have much of an impact in those games. In 2019, he had two catches for minus-nine yards, which was disappointing, then he caught one ball for six yards in 2020. The Packers also utilized him as a kick returner, returning nine kickoffs for 147 yards in 2019 and 11 for 227 yards in 2020.
Shepherd was cut by Green Bay in December 2020 and bounced around the NFL before finding success with the (then XFL) Battlehawks in 2020. Shephard started eight games and had 36 receptions for 363 yards and four touchdowns.
However, he excelled as a returner. Shepherd attempted 27 kicks for 701 yards, including an 80-yard career long. For his performance, he was named the 2023 XFL Special Teams Player of the Year.
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