The Green Bay Packers overachieved in the eyes of many in the 2023-24 season. Not only making the playoffs but marking one of the most stunning upsets in playoff history and coming just 4 points away from making an NFC Championship appearance. But in the NFL there is not a consolation prize for losing in the playoffs, as you win your draft position falls.
The Green Bay Packers now hold the 25th pick of the NFL Draft and are eyeing to make a call that could potentially change the future of the franchise, and there are certainly options at that #25 spot.
#3 OL Troy Fautanu
The Green Bay Packers are expected to move on from generational left tackle David Bakhtiari sooner rather than later. With Bakhtiari’s recent battles with injury and overall youth movement throughout the organization, it should be no surprise that the Green Bay Packers pursue high-ranked young talent on the line
Troy Fautanu is a 6’4 317 pound versatile monster from the University of Washington. Versatility is a trait the Green Bay Packers have continued to obtain in offensive linemen, which helped them stay with one of the best-performing offensive lines in football last season despite some injuries. With Fautanu’s unique blend of athleticism, size, and quick processing, many signs are pointing at him being a staple in the NFL for a long time.
Fautanu was once a volleyball player for his high school in Nevada, attributing to his impressive athleticism at his massive size.
Washington’s offensive line was the best in the nation, winning the @JoeMooreAward
Left Tackle Troy Fautanu is 6’4 317 lbs and his athleticism is fascinating. Here is big reason he can move and bend so well. @UW_Football 👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/pmtLaYeARH— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) January 8, 2024
Fautanu has the capability of protecting a young franchise QB, like Jordan Love, for a long time.
#2 Edge Rusher Chop Robinson
The NFL edge position is as important as any, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The Green Bay Packers have two quality pass rushers on the roster, including rising superstar Rashan Gary and savvy veteran Preston Smith. With Smith’s time potentially coming to an end after his 2024 campaign, the Packers drafted Lukas Van Ness with the 13th pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
Chop Robinson is one of the most unique players in the NFL draft. With what can be considered undersized for the defensive line at 6’3 255, Robinson makes up with an unmatched athleticism. Testing at a 9.53 relative athletic score out of 10, Chop put on display at the NFL Combine what he could bring to any field. If you were to change that score to test against running backs it would be nearly a perfect 9.88.
At Penn State Chop Robinson showed an unbelievably quick first step off the ball along with impressive bend abilities to capitalize off of his speed advantage and quickly create lines to the quarterback. Robinson can be compared to the Dallas Cowboys star Mikah Parsons with his unique build for the edge position and elite athleticism.
As the Packers look to bring together an upgraded defense under the Jeff Hafley era. it wouldn’t be surprising to bring in more talented youth in the premier position. Especially with the #4 edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare likely missing most of the 2024 season. Using pick number 25 on a player like Penn States Chop Robinson could ensure the future of Green Bay’s pass rush.
#1 Cornerback Cooper Dejean
Iowa’s top athlete Cooper Dejean is the Green Bay Packers’ most mock-drafted pick at #25. As the Packers face holes in the slot position with the potential departure of All-Pro Keisan Nixon, depth questions at the outside corner, and glaring problems in the safety room, Dejean can plug any of those spots.
Cooper Dejean stands at a prototypical 6’1 205 pounds, his form transfers into an unmatched speed and power that makes him one of the best athletes on any field. He has put top-tier ball instincts/production on tape to go along with scary closing speed. However, it is a question if he can survive consistent snaps as an outside corner in man coverage against elite NFL talent (mainly in press,) because of his shorter arms and comfortability with eyes on the quarterback.
Dejean is also an invaluable asset to special teams and could be a first-year gunner and return man for any team in the NFL (something the Packers are in the market for.) Experienced in multiple levels of defense, the Packers could use Dejean as a “plug and play” option wherever they need him to be throughout his first year.
Whether it be the elite versatility of Troy Fautanu, the unmatched athleticism of Chop Robinson, or the turnover capabilities of Cooper Dejean. The Green Bay Packers will likely have plenty of options for playmakers at the #25 pick in the NFL Draft.
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