The Green Bay Packers are fully immersed in their off-season. The Packers will hold the 25th selection in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft in April, following a heartbreaking 24-21 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional round.
Even if free agency and the Super Bowl still take place before the draft, it’s never too early to consider what the Green Bay Packers will need to succeed in 2024–2025. Here are my top three draft needs for the Green Bay Packers, based on who is currently expected to be a free agent in March.
Security
A season ago, the safety class in the draft and free agency was not very good. The Green Bay Packers also needed to address this position. They did choose Anthony Johnson Jr. in the seventh round of the NFL Draft and acquire Darnell Savage’s fifth-year option. The Packers added Jonathan Owens and had Rudy Ford as well.
This squad wasn’t very good overall, but they were mostly competent. In the first or second round, Green Bay unquestionably needs to acquire a safety. The lone safety with a contract for the next season is Johnson Jr. I could see the Packers bringing back Owens and signing Savage to a short-term contract.
I see three NFL Draft picks that the Packers should consider using. They are Callen Bullock of USC, Tyler Nubin of Minnesota, and Kameron Kinchens of Miami, Florida. They also have enough draft capital to advance and obtain the desired level of safety.
Line of Interior Offensive
For the majority of the season, the inside offensive line—aside from Elgton Jenkins—performed poorly. After a disappointing 2022 season and two excellent seasons, Jon Ruyan Jr. took another step back. Once more, Josh Myers struggled, and Royce Newman wasn’t very good. Positively, Sean Rhyan showed moments of brilliance. He should start the upcoming season at right guard.
I stated that the Green Bay Packers erred in not selecting any offensive lineman, particularly interior ones, in the 2023 Draft. After three years, I can state with confidence that neither Myers nor Newman will receive a second contract. As a free agent, I don’t see how Runyan Jr. can return either.
I believe Green Bay needs to select two inside offensive lineman with their five first-round selections in the NFL Draft. Sedrick Van Pran of Georgia and Zach Frazier of West Virginia are a couple of the names at center. Another option would be to target a guard from Duke like Graham Barton.
Corner
There doesn’t seem to be a requirement when you consider the available space for corners. But Kesisean Nixon is a free agent, and the Green Bay Packers need to choose whether to exercise Eric Stokes’ fifth-year option.
As of right now, I believe the Packers will give Stokes an extra year of contract. Nixon may return, but he may want to sign a multiyear contract. Although I was pleased with Carrington Valentine’s rookie performance, there is still opportunity for improvement. It wouldn’t be shocking if the Packers selected a corner with one of their first 100 picks given the arrival of a new defensive coordinator.
For more amazing material, follow us at @WiSportsHeroics and me at @DylanBuboltz on Twitter. Click here to read more of our stories and stay up to speed on Wisconsin sports news! Additionally, be sure to browse our merch store for some incredible WSH gear!
