NEWSLETTER
2024 NFL Mock Draft: Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst faces a pivotal offseason. Jordan Love answered the call last year in an emphatic way, outperforming even the most optimistic projections in his first year as the Packers starting quarterback. The league’s youngest roster, particularly on offense, gelled as the season progressed, and expectations are high heading into the 2024 season.
The Packers have focused on adding high-caliber athletes with their early-round selections under Gutekunst. They had seven selections in the first five rounds of the 2023 draft, and six of the seven selections had a Relative Athletic Score north of 9.0. I stayed true to that tenant with this Packers mock draft, with all five of these selections meeting that 9.0 threshold.
Here’s a breakdown of how a 2024 NFL Mock Draft for the Green Bay Packers using the PFF Mock Draft simulator, focusing on the first three rounds:
2024 NFL Mock Draft: Green Bay Packers Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 25: Graham Barton, OL, Duke
The Packers haven’t had a dominant offensive line since the glory days of the Sitton-Lang era, and that trend continued in 2023. Injuries ravaged the unit, and Jordan Love was under constant pressure throughout the season. Addressing the offensive line becomes even more crucial if Love is indeed the quarterback of the future.
Enter Graham Barton, a hulking offensive lineman from Duke. At 6’7″ and 320 pounds, Barton boasts a prototypical build for left tackle. He’s lauded for his exceptional athleticism and footwork, allowing him to excel in pass protection against speed rushers. While Barton may need some time to refine his technique at the professional level, his raw talent and upside make him a potential franchise left tackle for the Packers.
This pick signifies a long-term commitment to Love’s development. Protecting him from relentless pressure is paramount, and Barton has the potential to be the blindside anchor the Packers desperately need for years to come.
Round 2, Pick 41: Braden Fiske, DI, Florida State
The Packers’ defensive line was a bright spot in 2023, but Kenny Clark is no spring chicken, and finding his long-term successor becomes a priority. Braden Fiske, a disruptive defensive tackle from Florida State, presents a compelling option at pick 41.
Fiske is a space-eating run defender with a powerful lower body. He excels at clogging running lanes and collapsing the pocket with his bull rush. While his pass-rushing repertoire may need some refinement, his ability to anchor against the run and free up linebackers for tackles is a welcome addition to any defense.
Fiske’s arrival allows the Packers to ease Clark’s workload and groom him for a potential switch to a more rotational role in the future. The combination of Clark and Fiske could solidify the Packers’ defensive front for years to come, providing a dominant presence in the trenches.
Round 2, Pick 58: Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State
The Packers’ secondary struggled with consistency in 2023, particularly at safety. Enter Jaden Hicks, a versatile safety from Washington State.
Hicks possesses impressive range and instincts in coverage. He reads quarterbacks well and displays a knack for making plays on the ball. His ability to play both free and strong safety adds valuable depth and flexibility to the Packers’ secondary.
The Packers added Xavier McKinney from the Giants in free agency, but the depth behind McKinney is lacking. Hicks’ ability to cover deep routes and make plays in the open field will be a welcome asset to a Packers’ secondary that often struggled against explosive passing attacks in 2023.
Round 3, Pick 88: Trey Benson, RB, Florida State
Josh Jacobs can handle an every-down role, but the Packers have shown a preference for using multiple backs, and AJ Dillon leaves a lot to be desired and struggled mightily last season.
Trey Benson, a physical running back from Florida State, fits the bill. He’s a downhill runner with a good blend of power and speed. While not the most polished pass catcher, Benson can contribute in the receiving game with his ability to catch short passes out of the backfield.
His ability to run between the tackles and break tackles in the open field provides the Packers with a different dimension in their rushing attack.
Round 3, Pick 91: Jarian Jones, CB, Florida State
The Packers’ secondary depth could use a boost, particularly at cornerback. While Jaire Alexander remains a lockdown presence, the team lacks a reliable option opposite him.
Jarian Jones, a physical cornerback from Florida State, could be a late-round steal. Jones possesses good size and length, and he excels in press coverage.
