The Green Bay Packers rebuilt the franchise around quarterback Jordan Love in the span of about a year thanks to general manager Brian Gutekunst pulling seven players who where either starters or rotational contributors as rookies in 2023.
They were edge rusher Lukas Van Ness (13th overall pick), tight end Luke Musgrave (42nd overall pick), wide receiver Jayden Reed (50th overall pick), tight end Tucker Kraft (78th overall pick), wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (159th overall pick), edge rusher Karl Brooks (179th overall pick), and cornerback Carrington Valentine (232nd overall pick). That type of value allowed the Packers front office some room to spend in free agency this offseason, and they were able to reel in the top safety available in Xavier McKinney, and one of the best running backs available in Josh Jacobs.
Now, it's critical Gutekunst hits again this April because Love's 32 touchdown passes in his first season as the Green Bay starter were the second-most in the entire NFL, and he helped power the team to an NFC Divisional round appearance with a rousing 48-32 victory over the second-seeded Dallas Cowboys in the wild card round. His three touchdowns and 272 passing yards while completing 16 of his 21 passes led to him registering a 157.2 passer rating, the best single-game postseason mark in Packers history.
Love is eligible for an extension in May and in order for the team to remain competitive with their young quarterback making a market value salary, they'll to continue successfully evaluating, drafting and developing their young talent. Here is one way they could approach the 2024 NFL Draft that would allow them to bolster their offensive line, front seven and secondary around their rising star quarterback.
Team needs: OT, IOL, CB, S, DL, LB, RB
2024 NFL Draft picks
Round 1: Pick 25 Round 2: Pick 41 (from Jets) Round 2: Pick 58 Round 3: Pick 88 Round 3: Pick 91 (from Bills) Round 4: Pick 126 Round 5: Pick 169 (compensatory pick) Round 6: Pick 202 Round 6: Pick 219 (compensatory pick) Round 7: Pick 245 Round 7: Pick
