Packers Looking To Move Up In First Round

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst may be looking to make a splash during his first draft. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that Green Bay is among a handful of teams that are “plotting a potential trade up…for a top-tier talent.” The team is currently armed with the No. 14 pick in the first round.

Recent reports have connected the organization with several notable defenders. We heard earlier this week that the Packers were eyeing Virginia Tech linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, although the report indicated that the team would likely have to move up to select the versatile prospect. In Daniel Jeremiah’s recent top-50 list, Edmunds was ranked sixth overall.

The team has also been connected to Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith, another player who would likely necessitate a trade. Smith was listed eighth on Jeremiah’s new top-50 rankings. While the Packers have Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, Blake Martinez, and Jake Ryan slotted in as their starting linebackers, Smith and Edmunds’ versatility could make a trade worthwhile.

Of course, considering the Packers’ depth at linebacker, they might be looking at other positions. The team could presumably be targeting defensive end Bradley Chubb if he manages to fall a bit in the draft. The could also target the top cornerback prospects, a grouping that includes Denzel Ward, Mike Hughes, and Jaire Alexander.

Including the 14th selection, the Packers have 12 picks headed into this weekend’s draft. The team doesn’t have any extra first-, second-, or third-rounders, but they do have a pair of fourth-round picks and three fifth-rounders.

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