The Green Bay Packers have 11 draft picks going into the 2024 NFL Draft. That includes five picks in the first three rounds. That is plenty of firepower to either move up in the draft or load up on five talented prospects in the first three rounds.
Today it was reported that the Packers met with someone who will likely be gone before the end of round three.
The Green Bay Packers Meet With One Of The Fastest Rising Stars In The 2024 NFL Draft
The Packers had a top-30 visit with Austin Booker on Wednesday, April 10th according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero. The Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots have also met with Kansas EDGE prospect.
Booker is unlikely to be considered for the 25th overall pick in the first round. It is possible, however, that the Packers could make a move to grab him in either the second or third round with one of their four Day 2 picks.
Tyler Brooke of Heavy on Packers annotated how Booker is one of the fastest rising prospects In this year’s draft:
Booker is one of the fastest-rising EDGE prospects in this class, and it’s easy to see why.
The Jayhawks benefitted from Booker’s presence in 2023. He finished the year with eight sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. That production helped him earn First-Team All-Big 12 honors along with the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year award.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein is high on Booker, giving him a grade that suggests he’ll eventually be a plus starter. He went as far as giving Booker a pro comparison of Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby.
Will The Packers Invest More Draft Capital In The EDGE Position?
Currently, Green Bay’s top three EDGE rushers are Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, and Lukas Van Ness. Smith has suddenly become the oldest Packers player on the team at 31-years-old. He is currently under contract through the 2026 season, however, his age along with his $18+ million cap hit in 2026 may mean the team will move on from him sooner rather than later.
Brian Gutekunst has consistently used premium draft picks on the defensive side of the ball. That will certainly be no different this year as linebacker, cornerback, and safety remain a few of the teams’ biggest needs.
If a pass rusher falls into their lap, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Gutekunst pull the trigger.
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