Packers attack positions of need in draft 2-3 picks at a time

Feb 27, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst during the NFL Scouting Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

When there is a perceived “big” roster hole to fill, Green Bay Packers GM Brian Gutekunst has shown that he is more than willing to throw multiple picks at that position in the NFL Draft, oftentimes double-dipping and even triple-dipping.

Just last year, we saw Gutekunst select two tight ends, three receivers, and two interior defenders. In 2022, he selected three offensive linemen and three wide receivers.

During the 2020 and 2021 drafts, Gutekunst drafted three offensive linemen both years, while in 2018, his first draft, he took three receivers and two cornerbacks.

With 11 picks in this year’s draft, which is tied for the most in the NFL, Gutekunst has the flexibility to take that same approach at positions where numbers are needed.

Four positions where we could see the Packers make multiple selections include safety, linebacker, the interior offensive line, and offensive tackle.

At safety, for starters, the Packers need competition for Anthony Johnson Jr., who as of now, is the front-runner for the starting spot next to Xavier McKinney. But on top of that, there are only four safeties on the roster. When it comes to getting through training camp and the preseason, the Packers will need six or seven.

Linebacker is a position where trying to find another starting-caliber player for when the Packers are in their 4-3 base defense is a priority. But on top of that, Gutekunst did mention at the NFL combine that in switching to a 4-3, they are going to need to carry more linebackers than what they have in previous years. Right now, there are five on the roster.

Along the offensive line, last summer, we saw a first, second, and third-team offense being utilized throughout training camp. So, from a pure numbers perspective, that’s at least six offensive tackles that are needed, and right now, the Packers have four on the roster–not to mention that they may be looking for some competition for Rasheed Walker.

Inside, the Packers have only four interior linemen on the roster, which includes no true backup option at center and Royce Newman as the only player able to compete with Sean Rhyan at right guard. This is the most likely position group where we see the Packers draft three.

Even in having 11 draft picks, it would be a tall task to load up at all four of these positions while still trying to address other needs like running back, cornerback, or edge rusher. So very likely, some of the players added to these position groups to help round out the 90-man roster will come through undrafted signees.

Given Gutekunst’s draft history, the number of picks the Packers have, and the sheer need at these positions, I would anticipate a relatively decent portion of their draft picks going to linebacker, safety, and the offensive line.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers attack positions of need in draft 2-3 picks at a time