Choosing the ideal seventh-round draft targets for the Packers before 2024 free agency

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Choosing the ideal seventh-round draft targets for the Packers before 2024 free agency.

Carrington Valentine, a cornerback, is a good (albeit rare) illustration of how starting-caliber players may be found in round seven. Brian Gutekunst typically prefers to draft players that can contribute on special teams, as this is where they first demonstrate their value before being given opportunities on offense or defense.

To do this exercise of determining who is the ideal target for each pick, we used The Athletic’s Consensus Big Board for the first 100 picks and the NFL Mock Draft Database for later rounds.

The Packers will most likely have two seventh-round picks. The first is the initial selection, and the team is anticipated to earn a seventh-round compensatory pick after losing defensive tackle Dean Lowry to free agency last year.

McLachlan lacks lateral agility, but he is fast in a straight line, a good catcher, and a fierce player.

The Packers are mostly set at tight end at the top, but depth is an issue. Last year, the team selected Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft on day two, and they also claimed Ben Sims off waivers from the Minnesota Vikings. In 2024, they will have three promising tight ends entering year two.

However, Josiah Deguara and Tyler Davis are free agents, so another late-round pick at that position would not be unexpected, especially at this late stage.

As a 5’8 receiver, he does not suit the Packers’ physical description, although Amari Rodgers is 5’9. In the seventh round, Gould may be worth a deeper look given his track record as a prolific returner and good separator.

Jayden Reed was the Packers’ primary punt returner in 2023, but with a larger offensive role, it will be difficult to retain him playing so much on special teams. Additionally, kickoff returner Keisean Nixon is a free agent.