The Green Bay Packers are fresh off a heartbreaking loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional Round of the playoffs and have to feel good about their long-term outlook.
With five picks in the Top 100, the Packers have the draft capital to add more young talent to this budding roster. Let’s take a look at how the first three rounds could play out for Brian Gutekunst and the Packers:
25th overall pick: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Previous three picks: Philadelphia Eagles: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson. Houston Texans: Byron Murphy, DL, Texas. Dallas Cowboys: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
Four other options: Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State, Chris Braswell, Edge, Alabama, Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington, Brian Thomas Jr, WR, LSU.
DeJean going to the Cowboys at 24 would be Green Bay’s worst nightmare. With his athleticism, versatility and playmaking ability, DeJean would be everything that this secondary needs.
Pivot.
Let’s turn to another cornerback that will test off the charts. The Toledo cornerback has all the tools to develop into a lockdown cornerback. He has the route instincts, he’s disruptive at the catch point and he has the long speed and fluidity to stay locked into the wide receiver’s hip pocket.
#Toledo DB Quinyon Mitchell showing his value to play multiple positions in the secondary and a special teams contributor.
Gets the PBU on a third down from the slot, then partially blocks a punt, setting up an offensive TD. Future NFL player making plays on weekday #MACtion. pic.twitter.com/16ELZjp0Lq
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) November 1, 2023
Jaire Alexander was in and out of the lineup this season. There is hope that Eric Stokes can get healthy and regain his rookie form. Carrington Valentine played admirably during his rookie season. With those three in place, the Packers have a solid foundation. The question becomes can Alexander and Stokes stay on the field? Mitchell gives the Packers an insurance policy.
41st overall pick: Javon Bullard, DB, Georgia
Previous three picks: Tennessee Titans: Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami. New York Giants: Kris Jenkins, DL, Michigan. Washington Commanders: Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
Four other options: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon, Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas, Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington. Ruke Orhorhoro, DL, Clemson
DeJean would have given the Packers the hybrid defensive back that they desperately needed. After missing out on the Hawkeye product, Gutekunst lands Bullard, a player who’s capable of playing in the slot or deep.
Georgia Safety Javon Bullard this season:
🐶 Zero TDs Allowed
🐶 2 INTs | 3 PBUs
🐶 35.3 Passer Rating Allowed
🐶 87.8 Coverage Grade pic.twitter.com/trovYCY4UM— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 28, 2023
A former track athlete, Bullard recorded four interceptions and eight pass deflections over the past two seasons. He has the fluidity and short-area quickness to line up in the slot and the range to cover the backend.
58th overall pick: Calen Bullock, S, USC
Previous three picks: Miami Dolphins: Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri. Cowboys: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Sainristil, DB, Michigan
Four other options: Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky, Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan, Sedric Van Pran, C, Georgia, Trey Benson, RB, Florida State.
Three picks in the Top 60 spent on the secondary? Given the state of the safety room at 1265 Lombardi Avenue, it would not be surprising if that was the case in a few short months. Add in the fact that Keisean Nixon is set to hit the open market and the Packers could be looking for a new starting nickel (Bullard) and two new starting safeties.
Bullock, a high school wide receiver, has outstanding ball skills. He finished his career at USC with nine interceptions and 15 pass deflections. He has disciplined eyes and covers a lot of real estate.
88th overall pick: Marist Liufau, LB, Notre Dame
Previous three picks: Miami Dolphins: Forfeit, Houston Texans: Leonard Taylor, DL, Miami. Cowboys: Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee
Four other options: Junior Colson, LB, Michigan. Bucky Irving, RB, Oregon. Blake Corum, RB, Michigan. Gabriel Murphy, Edge, UCLA.
De’Vondre Campbell may have played his last game as a Packer. If that is indeed the case, Gutekunst will have to find Quay Walker a new running mate, unless they believe Isaiah McDuffie can take on that responsibility.
Liufau plays like his hair is on fire and is relentless in his pursuit of the ball carrier. He has the sideline-to-sideline quickness and is comfortable dropping into space.
91st overall pick: Bucky Irving, RB, Oregon
Four other options: Audric Estime, RB, Notre Dame. MarShawn Lloyd, RB, USC. Mekhi Wingo, DL, LSU. Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State.
AJ Dillon is set to hit the open market and the Packers may be able to afford to bring him back if they opt to go that route. Even if they re-sign Dillon, the Packers need to add a young, dynamic back to the mix.
Start your Sunday morning off with some Bucky Irving.
Through four games this season the Oregon RB has 178 yards after contact and has forced 16 missed tackles.
Irving had three runs of 15-plus yards yesterday against the Buffs. pic.twitter.com/RvzgA8HPYB
— Brennen Rupp (@Brennen_Rupp) September 24, 2023
Irving is tough as nails and is a hard-nosed runner. He has outstanding contact balance and rarely goes down on initial contact. According to Pro Football Focus, Irving racked up 743 yards after contact and forced 69 missed tackles.
