2024 NFL mock drafts: Who will the Green Bay Packers take in latest projections?

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (11) and wide receiver Bo Melton (80) celebrate a reception against the Chicago Bears during their football game at Lambeau Field.

In the Green Bay Packers’ first year post-Aaron Rodgers, the team looked outstanding, really picking up steam toward the end of the season. They barely snuck into the playoffs yet managed to take down the No. 2 Dallas Cowboys in the wild card and give the No. 1 San Francisco 49ers a run for their money before ultimately falling short in the divisional round.

It’s clear that Jordan Love is the future at quarterback. But after a solid offseason that saw the team add Josh Jacobs to their backfield, how will the team draft to get them over the hump and competing with the Detroit Lions for an NFC North title?

The obvious answer would be to give Love and Jacobs more protection. The Packers could use some help at guard and center. However, Love only endured 119 pressures a year ago. That was good for an 18.8% pressure rate — not even top-20 for most pressured quarterbacks. Clearly, protection isn’t a massive issue. On the other end though, the Packers could use some help in their secondary.

From NFL plays to college sports scores, all the top sports news you need to know every day.

Green Bay was solid in terms of passing yardage allowed, but struggled when teams passed the ball. Opposing quarterbacks recorded a 94.7 passer rating against Green Bay a year ago — eighth-worst mark in the NFL. Sure, Jaire Alexander remains a top-tier shutdown corner, but Alexander has faced serious injury problems in recent years and there is no one to defend the other side of the field. With the talent available at quarterback and wide receiver in this draft, there is a good chance that one of the elite CB prospects falls to the Packers at 25.

Here is what experts are saying the Packers could do with their first round pick.

2024 NFL mock draft: J.J. McCarthy or Drake Maye for Patriots at No. 3?

Predictions for Green Bay Packers’ first-round pick:

USA Today: Graham Barton, IOL, Duke

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz writes, “Versatility and stability are Barton’s calling cards after a career in which he flipped from center to starting left tackle. Now, however, he looks set to slide back to the interior, and the Packers should be drawn to him as they seek additional reinforcements up front to match their impressive collection of young skill-position talent.”

Bleacher Report: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

The Bleacher Report Scouting Department has the Packers going with a DB at 25. They write, “Some tension and injuries issues exist with the squad’s top corner, Jaire Alexander. Meanwhile, Eric Stokes has struggled, dealt with some injuries and the organization must make a decision on his fifth-year rookie option this offseason. All of this is to say that cornerback should very much be in play for the Packers, particularly with a prospect as talented as McKinstry.”

NFL.com: Payton Wilson, LB, NC State

Chad Reuter writes, “New defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley coached against Wilson when he was at Boston College, watching his Eagles beat the Wolfpack in 2022 despite the linebacker’s three tackles for loss and interception. Hafley knows full well the sort of athlete and football player Wilson would add to his scheme in Green Bay.”

ESPN: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

Mel Kiper is opting for a defensive back at this position. DeJean has experience at both safety and cornerback which could make him the most versatile option if the Packers do in fact opt for help in their secondary. DeJean has his issues, as does every prospect, but he’s a top-tier talent for a reason and could definitely fall to 25 with so many teams near the top of the draft looking for help on offense.

PFF: Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota

Nathan Jahnke writes, “The Packers could trade up or trade back, but for this mock draft, they stand pat to get the best safety of the draft. They mostly used Jonathan Owens, Darnell Savage, and Rudy Ford last season, and none of them were re-signed for this year. They spent big in free agency on Xavier McKinney, but the Packers still need a second safety.”

How to watch the 2024 NFL Draft:

When: April 25-27, 2024

Time: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT

Where: Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza in Detroit, Michigan

Cable: ESPN, ABC, NFL Network

Streaming: NFL+, ESPN+, Hulu+ Live TV, FuboTV

Watch the Draft: Catch the NFL Draft and more with a Fubo subscription

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2024 NFL mock drafts: Who will the Green Bay Packers take in latest projections?