The Packers might draft two or three players at the same position in hopes of landing a big difference maker.
As time winds down before the start of the 2024 NFL Draft, I think we can start dialing in on a few of the tendencies we know the Packers have employed as we try to figure out what they’ll do.
First, Brian Gutekunst has shown a tendency to double or even triple dip at a position if he thinks its a need or just wants to make sure he comes out with at least one good player. He’s notably done it at wide receiver (in 2018, 2022, and 2023, most significantly) and could try the same tactic again this year if he wants to make sure the safety position really gets fixed. You could also see the Packers nab multiple offensive linemen to add some much-needed depth across the board.
He’s also shown a tendency to return to schools within a couple of years to take another player from the same university. The top half of last year’s draft class includes players from Iowa, Oregon State, Michigan State, South Dakota State, Auburn, and Penn State. I can’t give you an exhaustive list of players available and worth considering from those schools, but Iowa’s Cooper DeJean is certainly a popular pick and they’ve had Oregon State safety Oladapo in for a visit. If you want, take note of the Kentucky connections between 2023 draft pick Carrington Valentine, running back Ray Davis and linebacker Trevin Wallace; both Davis and Wallace have been in for visits with the Packers.
As with all draft tendencies, thresholds, and indicators, none of this means anything. Brian Gutekunst’s final takes are the only ones that matter, and we’re about to find out what he’s got to say about this year’s draft class.
Packers attack positions of need in draft 2-3 picks at a time | Packers Wire
Some predictions relevant to Gutekunst’s tendency to group picks.
Brian Gutekunst will have to mine this safety class to find a first-year starter for Packers | Packers News
Doubling up at safety might be a prudent strategy, but finding a couple of good ones will be a difficult strategy.
Brugler’s Seven-Round Mock Starts With Oregon’s Powers-Johnson | Packer Central
The author of The Beast predicts what the Packers will do, starting with a new center.
Pre-draft picture: Josh Jacobs takes the reins in Packers’ backfield | Packers.com
I don’t foresee the Packers adding multiple backs, but even if they draft only one, they’ll still have a new-look backfield thanks to Josh Jacobs.
NFL fifth-year option tracker: 2021 first-round draft class | ESPN
Here’s a subplot to keep in mind: what will the Packers do with their fifth-year options (and who, in the first round, will have a fifth-year option in the future)?
100-year-old British train car found buried in Belgium | UPI
This sounds like a dark episode of Thomas the Tank Engine.
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