What Position Is Green Bay Most Likely To Double Up in The Draft?
Packers should address the need along the defensive front with mutiple selections in the draft.
By Dan Saia
Brian Gutekunst and the Green Bay Packers have consistently addressed roster needs in the draft by doubling up at particular positions. It’s a strategy we’ve seen throughout his tenure as general manager. When he identifies a position that needs an influx of young, controllable talent, he often uses multiple draft picks to tackle the issue—figuring he’s bound to hit on at least one and hopefully restock the position for years to come.
His very first draft as general manager of the Packers, back in 2018, showcased this approach right away. After fleecing the Saints in a trade, Gutekunst moved back in the first round and then back up again to grab cornerback Jaire Alexander. He followed that pick by selecting another cornerback—Josh Jackson from Iowa—in the second round. The cornerback room was in need of a rebuild after losing Davon House in free agency and trading away the underperforming Damarious Randall. Gutekunst’s aggressive draft strategy paid off, as Alexander became a star and is arguably the second-best draft pick of Gutekunst’s career so far.
You don’t need to look further than the past two NFL Drafts to see this trend continue. In 2022, Gutekunst doubled up at tight end with Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave, addressing a roster that was barren at the position. Last year, the Packers doubled up at two positions. First, they selected linebacker Edgerrin Cooper in the second round and immediately followed that up by picking another linebacker, Ty’Ron Hopper. After a frustrating season watching a hobbled and aging De’Vondre Campbell struggle, the team wisely added young, athletic talent. Cooper looks like a home run pick—a budding star at the position—while the jury is still out on Hopper.
He also used three picks to fill the black hole that the safety position was coming out of the 2023 season . With only Xavier McKinney and Zayne Anderson under contract heading into the draft, the Packers needed to both fill out the roster and inject it with talent. Enter Javon Bullard, Evan Williams, and Kitan Oladapo—taken in the 2nd, 4th, and 5th rounds, respectively. Bullard and Williams played significant roles in Jeff Hafley’s defense as rookies, and after a redshirt season due to a summer injury, Oladapo should be ready to compete for meaningful snaps as the fourth safety.
Looking ahead to this year’s draft, the Packers could take a similar approach with several positions: wide receiver, offensive line, and cornerback all come to mind. But one position stands above the rest in my eyes when it comes to needing multiple bites at the apple: interior defensive line.
It’s no secret that Green Bay didn’t get the production it needed from the defensive front last season. T.J. Slaton—once the team’s primary run-stuffer—left for Cincinnati in free agency. Kenny Clark looked like a shell of his former self, recording just one sack all season. Devonte Wyatt flashed at times but struggled with injuries, Karl Brooks didn’t take the second-year leap many expected, and Colby Wooden isn’t a lock to make the final roster. They didn't find anyone via the draft they liked so time to turn to the draft. They need bodies—more importantly, talented ones—to raise the floor and ceiling of the defensive line.
The draft is also a great time to build with the future in mind, which makes doubling or tripling up on the defensive line even more logical. Kenny Clark carries a $31.4 million cap hit in 2026, and it’s hard to imagine the Packers keeping him at that number. Wyatt’s fifth-year option is due in May, and while Gutekunst has spoken positively about him recently, it’s no guarantee they pick it up. If things don’t pan out, it’s entirely possible that Brooks and Wooden could be the only returning interior defensive linemen next year. This draft is especially deep along the defensive line and restocking the position for 2026 is just as important as finding an impact player for 2025.
It’s certainly possible that Gutekunst and the Packers will address multiple positions across the board with their eight picks. I’d even say it’s likely that by the time the Mr. Irrelevant pick is called, we’ll be breaking down a couple of defensive linemen, a few wide receivers, and a handful of offensive linemen. Smart organizations don’t pigeonhole themselves. But if Brian Gutekunst called me up in the draft room at 1265 Lombardi Ave on nights one and two, I’d tell him one thing: load up on that defensive front.
-Dan Saia
Comments (31)
LLCHESTY
April 17, 2025 at 02:25 pm
I'm hoping DT but if I had to guess one it would be WR. If Gutey does end up picking up an extra pick or two in a trade I'd like to see multiple swings at DT, WR, OL and CB. Then an Edge early and a blocking TE late.
Coldworld
April 17, 2025 at 05:11 pm
It should be both. In fact I’d be extremely happy if our first 6 picks included a pair of both plus an Edge and a CB. Those are our major needs and this draft has them in multiple combinations.
LLCHESTY
April 17, 2025 at 07:18 pm
This is one where everything went wrong as far as WRs but I'd love TJ Sanders in the 3rd round. Horton is my Doubs for this draft, the last of the 2nd tier receivers and they have to get at least one of them.
Wyatt Milum is a T that I actually really like his fit inside. He's the type of OL I wouldn't mind seeing them take in day 2. But he's usually gone by 54.
27.
Kenneth Grant
DT Michigan
75.
T.J. Sanders
DT South Carolina
87.
Ashton Gillotte
EDGE Louisville
100.
Tory Horton
WR Colorado State
124.
Jordan Hancock
CB Ohio State
159.
Jonah Monheim
OC USC
176.
Zah Frazier
CB UTSA
198.
Dalton Cooper
OT Oklahoma State
202.
Isaiah Neyor
WR Nebraska
226.
Jackson Hawes
TE Georgia Tech
250.
JJ Roberts
S Marshall
gsd3
April 18, 2025 at 02:10 pm
Don't see Sanders lasting that long. Hell of a d-line upgrade if he did though.
Leatherhead
April 17, 2025 at 02:46 pm
We normally carry 6 WRs on the 53, and we play 3 WR sets a majority of the time, so there are better than 150 WR snaps available every game. Ideally, you'd have a rotation of 4 and the 5th guy would be your punt catcher. We have Reed, Doubs, and Wicks under contract. Mecole Hardman, too. We also have Heath and Melton and a couple of practice squad guys. Watson isn't a factor until he is, which won't be for a long time, if ever. Watson and Doubs are both in the final year of their contract and have physical issues. IMO, this unit needs the most improvement, especially entering the Love Window. I'm pretty confident that's the way the people in 1265 view this as well.
A typical Gutekunst solution would be doubling, or tripling,up. Like when he drafted Bullard, Williams,and Oladapo, or when he drafted Moore, St. Brown, MVS and picked up Kumerow and Lazard and Shephard off the pile, or when he drafted Morgan, Glover, and Monk. It's his M.O.
I'm going to go out on a limb, but I bet you a year from now that Watson, Doubs, Melton, and Heath are no longer with the team, and Reed and Wicks will be in the final year of their contracts. Surely Gutekunst can see we need help here.
He'll take one early, one in the middle, one late.
Bitternotsour
April 17, 2025 at 06:40 pm
On its face, this argument speaks to trading back and acquiring additional picks. Lots of contracts coming due, not just the wide-outs.
Conversely, the "Love Window" as you call it also has a due date. One would hope/guess this is addressed in the 5-year plans, not just reactively. As Mike Tyson says, "everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face".
LLCHESTY
April 17, 2025 at 03:02 pm
Mykel Williams ran drills but did no testing today. Supposedly he ran a 7.12 3-cone the day before Georgia's pro day and still was dealing with some ankle pain so thought he'd do it today and then didn't. Teams will know more about that being true or not, I only saw that from one place, I have never heard of the person but it looks like it originated with the Georgia 24/7 site. So either that isn't true or his ankle is Still bothering him, neither of which is good news. Hopefully Gutey does himself a favor and waits for a bendy Edge later. Though the Packers supposedly have a lot of interest in Sai'vion Jones, another big(280 lbs) player.
Kind of weird not to like the traits that 90% of the top pass rushers have.
Coldworld
April 17, 2025 at 05:12 pm
Weird yes, but if it’s an exclusive fixation, it may well become his undoing.
LLCHESTY
April 17, 2025 at 07:30 pm
From what he said at the combine it doesn't seem like he's going to stray from the big guys but I'm hoping Hafley is telling him he'd have uses for different types.
Here's what Zierlein said about Sai'vion Jones:
"Draft Projection
Round 3
A 4-3 defensive end who fits the NFL mold with size, toughness and effort. Jones has good bend and a couple of reliable moves to unlock the top of the rush. He rarely works beyond pocket depth and has an instinctive secondary rush to cook in the pocket. His hands are twitchy and violent but he allows blockers into his frame a little too often. Maximum energy is exerted on every rep but he might need to improve pacing to become more consistent against the run. Jones’ translatable traits and rush talent make him an ascending prospect who could see early third-down reps before taking on a starting spot in the future."
I watched him a bit today and didn't really see anything special about his bend, even looking at it on the curve of being larger than most DEs. He picked up a couple sacks starting from a wide 9 position and I seriously doubt at 280 lbs he has the explosion to take advantage of that starting position in the NFL. I remember Gary trying that a couple times early last year and thinking that's not his game. I was impressed with Jones' attitude and seems like a real coachable player that's going to give max effort every down. Jacob Morley thinks he's a perfect Packer type.
Coldworld
April 17, 2025 at 11:13 pm
There’s nothing wrong with big guys. However there is always something suspect when all weapons are the same style. I’m not arguing for changing the majority of the room, but for adding diversity of threat and style.
I think we help the big guys be more effective and, in turn, what they are good at should help a more flexible player clean up many of the times we were just missing last year. At the same time we allow Hafley to play to the match ups, which he does well on the rest of the D.
LLCHESTY
April 18, 2025 at 12:16 am
The just missing the QB has been going on for a few years now.
Coldworld
April 18, 2025 at 12:58 am
Precisely.
splitpea1
April 17, 2025 at 03:20 pm
I don't know about some of this. Right now I'd say WR is the most likely. But tripling down on defensive linemen? One prime prospect and another lower one would be fine; any more and we're going to have a glut with the playing time spread very thin. And what about CB if Alexander gets moved--that would mean we've lost three in the offseason. A big question is how much wheeling and dealing is Gute going to do with only eight picks, which limits double-down opportunities to maybe two position groups.
veteranviewer
April 17, 2025 at 03:36 pm
I AGREE 100% DAN.
stockholder
April 17, 2025 at 04:46 pm
I agree if you're looking for Value.
But who really fits in @23.?
There is NO sure DT Help there.
Most DTs will take 3 years.
And Truthfully wasn't Wyatt
suppose to be the solution.
IMO- we have to replace Slayton.
And there are plenty of hopefuls.
LLCHESTY
April 17, 2025 at 07:53 pm
I'm glad they didn't resign Slaton and wasn't ever that impressed with him but at least I can be bothered to SPELL his damn name right.
LambeauPlain
April 17, 2025 at 05:33 pm
Double up on DL, where there is draft class depth that can help this season...and on WR, where development value can be found for longer term need.
Starrbrite
April 17, 2025 at 07:28 pm
Yeeeess!
iamiz
April 17, 2025 at 06:50 pm
They say this draft is a good one if you need a DT or Edge, and we need both! Maybe we double up on 2 positions? A Double Double.
MooPack
April 17, 2025 at 06:59 pm
If Gutenkunst past trend of dipping into free agency and following up with draft picks is any indication, then the additions of OL Aaron Banks, WR Mercole Hardman, and CB Nate Hobbs, are good bets that OL, WR, and CB are positions that could be doubled up.
Major Snafu
April 17, 2025 at 07:13 pm
Funny just looked at another mock and the analyst starts out that GB needs a lot so his pick DT Graham from Michigan. He's a good one alright but am I nuts, didn't we just do a first round pick on dt in the past couple drafts.
The good news lots of talent in first four rounds. Bad news were plugging holes again with inexperience. Our experience left town with Mo Money
LLCHESTY
April 17, 2025 at 07:58 pm
Ha! They'd have to trade their entire draft to move up far enough to draft Graham.
Alberta_Packer
April 17, 2025 at 07:27 pm
So remaining resolute in my prediction that Gutekunst will end up with at least 10 draft picks - my allocation of those picks are as follows:
D-line - 2 picks
O-line - 2 picks
WR - 2 picks
CB - 1 pick
TE - 1 pick
QB- 1 pick
LB - 1 pick
Also sometime during the Draft - I expect a surprise or two from Gutekunst.
Starrbrite
April 17, 2025 at 07:31 pm
I like it Alberta—I however would do two at CB and one O-line.
Alberta_Packer
April 17, 2025 at 07:46 pm
I wouldn't argue against 2 CBs and 1 OL. I think it will depend on the BPA.
LLCHESTY
April 17, 2025 at 08:44 pm
How about doubling up on 1st round picks next year and a good chance at 1st overall pick?
55. Jalen Royals WR
71. TJ Sanders DT
88. Ashton Gillotte EDGE
124. Deone Walker DT
156. Zah Frasier CB
181. Kyle McCord QB
198. Caleb Ransaw CB
199. Dalton Cooper OT
209. Caleb Rogers OT
226. Jalin Conyers TE
237. Chimere Dike WR
254. Jay Toia DT
256. Drew Kendall OC
2026 NO 1st
Coldworld
April 17, 2025 at 11:29 pm
I’d be pretty happy with that! That said, immediately after I would need to sign a true blocking TE and a deep threat X to provide extra cover as a vertical option. Even after the draft (ignoring any widely tipped to be drafted) there will still be options as insurance.
Freeing up Kraft more to run offensive routes should be a major priority for this draft and future O. We can dramatically improve both our non-Kraft in line blocking and lead blocking and free him to be the weapon we know he can be. That’s more important to me than a third receiving option.
Conyers is big but not a very physical blocker at all. Robbie Ouzts from Alabama might be a UDFA option to give Messiah Swinson some competition. 270 and benches 29 times: big, strong and physical in line or leading. Played some goal line fullback and grew from there. He is a former wrestler. Failing that, Caden Prieskorn from Ole Miss is another option. 255, but a physical in line and lead blocker who runs a 4.7 40. Not quite the physical force Ouzts is, but a plus blocker and more of a passing option.
At WR, Beaux Collins of Notre Dame will be available. He’s not super fast at 4.52 40, but he is 6’3 and also had an 80th percentile vertical. A bit MVS like hands wise at times. Then there is Da’Quan Felton out of Virginia Tech. 6’5, 213 pounds and good burst off the line, if only a 4.5 40. De'Corian Clark of UTSA might be the one with the most upside but has some injury questions after dropping off the map while missing year with an ACL and recovery setbacks. 6’3, 220 pounds and runs a 4.45 and he blocks and is physical at the catch point. On the Freak List coming out of high school.
Clark needs some polish, as do the other two, but we only potentially need them to run a few vertical and a few blocking routes a game at most this year. Add an option to do so on the roster or PS depending on how well the earlier picks can perform that limited role. All will almost certainly be UDFAs (though if healthy, De'Corian Clark might be worth pick # 250).
LLCHESTY
April 18, 2025 at 12:23 am
Isaiah Neyor out of Nebraska is a freak as well.
Conyers is 260 lbs and has the effort not the technique to be an in line blocker. Add in his athleticism and there's a lot of upside with him.
Coldworld
April 18, 2025 at 12:45 am
He could grow into a blocker, but I think we need one now, and not an ok one, which is what we’ve had since Lewis, but a guy who will take it to opponents and free Kraft and also blow holes for Jacobs.
If he’s healthy, Da’Corian Clark could be a true steal. The reason he fell through the cracks is obvious once you dig, as is the reason he’s not as polished as he might be. He also ran faster in high school than his cited 40. That could be good or bad, finalizing a long recovery or simply diminished as an athlete? He was discussed as a top 100 talent before his ACL.
Neyor tested better. He too is a guy I’d love as a UDFA, he was really good as a Junior for Wyoming. Then he transferred to Texas and he took tore his ACL and then struggled badly in his return, this time with the Cornhuskers, where he displayed little of note.
Very similar stories, both had an ACL tear and a protracted recovery hangover. Neyor’s was earlier, and his testing at least suggests it’s now fully resolved. Both fell out of the spotlight for obvious reasons other than talent. Both need polish, both could conceivably fill a role as a vertical threat now, albeit a limited one.
Both have more athletic talent than being likely UDFAs suggest and showed it pre-injury . Either could prove a steal and be immediate deep threat X competition if the draft goes the way yours did. Both probably need a thorough medical review.
TKWorldWide
April 18, 2025 at 07:09 am
I’ll go with D-line and receiver.
PhantomII
April 18, 2025 at 10:13 pm
Hopefully WR and DL.