Now that the Green Bay Packers’ 2024 season has come to an end, the offseason can officially begin.
Despite the Packers being both in the playoffs, this team may be just a few pieces away from being a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Fortunately, one of the top draft analysts in the industry, Dane Brugler of The Athletic, published a report: two-round mock draft to gauge what teams might be looking for this draft cycle to improve their roster.
There are less than 100 days left until the 2025 NFL Draft and for the first time in the history of the league it will take place in Green Bay. With so much on offer for the Packers’ future, let’s see who Brugler tells them to take in his two-round taunt:
Pick 23: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
Uses: “The Packers defense has been disappointing this season and the front office must balance improving the players already on the roster with adding top-shelf talent. If general manager Brian Gutekunst is looking to move up in the first round, Williams – and his disruptive nature – would make sense.
Fits Packers: As Brugler mentioned, Green Bay’s defensive line play has been disappointing this season, especially on the inside. Kenny Clark’s production has seen a significant decline, reaching his lowest totals in tackles and sacks since his rookie season. Devonte Wyatt started the match well, but in the second half of the season he was less effective and struggled with numerous injuries. TJ Slaton, Karl Brooks, and Colby Wood were great rotation artists, but nothing more.
An option could be to add one of the best central defenders in the country. Throughout his time at Ohio State, Williams showed the ability to play in a variety of positions on the D-line, finishing his college career with 132 tackles, 27 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. The Packers need a three-position lineman, and Williams’ versatility could make him a great fit.
Pick 54: Jordan Burch, Edge, Oregon
Oregon defensive end Jordan Burch tackles Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen during the Oregon Ducks host the Boise State Broncos on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
Fits the Packers: Brugler decided to double his defense in the first two rounds. Jeff Hafley exceeded expectations in his first season as defensive coordinator, making the Packers a top-10 team in total defense and scoring. However, one area where Green Bay’s defense fell brief was consistently getting home with its four-man pass rush.
Lukas Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare did not stand out after being traded for Preston Smith. Rashan Gary was selected to his first Pro Bowl, but his performance was too inconsistent and he failed to reach double digits in sacks for the sixth straight year. Former undrafted free agent Brenton Cox Jr. he had his moments, but he would probably be best suited to a backup role.
Burch brought some much-needed energy off the edge after breaking through with 8.5 sacks in 2024, while also proving to be an effective run defender. At 6-4, 291 pounds, Burch’s height and playing style also fit well with what Hafley is looking for offensively in his 4-3 defense.
