Latest mock draft has Green Bay Packers replacing a 3x All-Pro

The latest mock drafts from Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz and Nate Davis of USA Today have the Green Bay Packers going in a new direction with their first round pick in 2024.

Both men have the Packers selecting an offensive lineman in the first, something that general manager Brian Gutekunst has never done during his tenure in Green Bay.

However, this year appears like the perfect time to break that trend.

David Bakhtiari is a prime cut candidate

The reason many expect the Packers to add offensive line help is because of the expected release of veteran All-Pro David Bakhtiari. Bakhtiari has a massive $40 million cap hit in 2024 and the Packers can free up $21 million by cutting him.

Bakhtiari has been an All-Pro five times and has been selected to three Pro Bowls. However, the tackle has played in just 13 games since 2021. The massive cap hit and lack of availability have many assuming Bakhtiari’s days in Green Bau are numbered.

Without Bakhtiari, the Packers need to find a reliable tackle. Rasheed Walker filled in admirably in 2023, but the Pack could prefer an option with a higher ceiling. Factor in that swing tackle Yosh Nijman is headed for free agency, and the need for a tackle grows.

Mock Draft 1: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

Middlehurst-Schwartz has the Packers going with Jordan Morgan, a massive tackle for the Arizona Wildcats. Morgan stands at 6’5″ and weighs in at 325 pounds. Morgan earned AP First-Team All-Pac-12 honors in 2023. The lineman successfully anchored the Wildcats’ line and is one of the top tackle prospects in this class.

Regarding Morgan, Middlehurst-Schwartz said the following:

“Brian Gutekunst has yet to take an offensive lineman in Round 1, but the timing seems ripe for such a move given the state of his front and Green Bay’s blossoming assortment of young skill-position players. Though Morgan could end up at guard in the NFL, he also checks off a lot of boxes as a promising potential starter at left tackle.”

Mock Draft 2: Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington

Davis also has the Packers landing an offensive lineman from the Pac-12. Davis goes with Troy Fautanu, the guard from Washington. Fautanu stands at 6’4″, 317 lbs, and, like Morgan, was an AP First-Team Pac-12 selection in 2023. The lineman also won the Morris Trophy, an award given annually to the most impressive offensive lineman in the Pac-12.

Regarding Fautanu, Davis said the following:

“An interior upgrade to better set QB Jordan Love’s pocket and/or potentially brittle LT David Bakhtiari’s successor.”