It is officially NFL Draft week for the Green Bay Packers! For the last few months, Brian Gutekunst and his staff have been putting together their draft board, attending the combine, and attending pro days. That all pays off beginning Thursday night. The Packers own 11 picks, including the 25th overall pick. There is a number of different ways Green Bay could go. They have the capital to move, stay where they are, or accumulate even more capital. Here are five players I think Green Bay will be choosing from at pick 25.
Green Bay Packers Pick 25- Cooper DeJean- Safety/Corner (Iowa)
If I was the general manager of the Green Bay Packers, Cooper DeJean would be my pick, if he is there at pick 25. I also have a feeling DeJean would be available at pick 20 and beyond. If that is the case, I think it would hard to not look at trading up to get him. As I’ve mentioned a lot already, the Packers have the capital to do it.
In his press conference today, Brian Gutekunst referred to DeJean as a versatile player who could play both corner and safety as well as special teams. Gutekunst and the Green Bay Packers love players who can play multiple positions. I think this would be a home run pick.
Graham Barton – Offensive Line (Duke)
I think Graham Barton is one of the best offensive linemen in this draft class. If Barton is there at 25, I think it would be hard not to pick Barton.
The issue is if the Packers view him as a tackle or an interior lineman. If the Packers think of Barton as a guard, they will likely pass on him, if he’s there, as they put higher draft capital towards tackles. If Barton is seen as a tackle by Brain Gutekunst, this could be a pick at 25 or a potential move up if he’s there at pick 20 like Cooper DeJean.
Kool-Aid McKinstry- Corner (Alabama)
Green Bay has a ton of corners on the roster already, but it’s also sneaky position of need. They could be on their last year of Eric Stokes if they don’t pick up his fifth year option. Last year’s seventh round pick Carrington Valentine would be next in line
Green Bay has used a ton of first round picks on corner. Gutekunst has used it on Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes. I would not be surprised if Gutekunst uses pick 25 on Kool-Aid McKinstry, He would immediately compete for the second starting corner sport and likely takes it as a rookie or a second year player.
Tyler Guyton- Tackle (Oklahoma)
When you think about the check-marks the Green Bay Packers have when selecting a player, Tyler Guyton might be the only player that checks them all. It is not a part of Gutekunst’s strategy to pick a tackle high in the draft because they are so good at finding talent at that position later in the draft.
The Green Bay Packers don’t necessarily need an immediate starting tackle, but Guyton could provide competition to Rasheed Walker and has played multiple positions on the offensive line. It’s a group that needs a lot of depth and added talent. Guyton at 25 certainly helps.
Amarius Mims- Tackle (Georgia)
Mims is big prospect at 340 pounds. The Green Bay Packers usually don’t pick players like that. Mims is likely to be a project players who might need a year or two to develop.
On the other hand, what a better place to develop an offensive lineman like the Green Bay Packers. The ceiling is really high for Mims despite being a tackle only.
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