Green Bay Packers should trade down again in second round of 2017 NFL Draft

The Green Bay Packers have the whole draft in their hands, and shouldn’t hesitate to trade down again.

Green Bay holds the first pick of the second round on Friday night after striking a trade with the Cleveland Browns, but the Packers shouldn’t stop there.

At No. 33, GM Ted Thompson holds a highly sought after pick. Jumping ahead of the competition to pick first on Day 2 will be on the minds of many general managers, especially those after a quarterback. In this spot the Packers hold a lot of power.

A few names stand out: Jacksonville, NY Jets and Buffalo. All three could be bidding for quarterback DeShone Kizer’s signature. And if any of these teams are in for Kizer, or another passer like Davis Webb, they might need to go straight to the top of the round.

Here the Packers can reap the rewards. If the Jaguars or Jets look to move up to No. 33, it’ll be on Ted’s terms. By dropping down just a few spots, Green Bay could add another fourth-round selection.

Two years ago the Giants moved up to the Titans’ No. 33 pick from No. 40. Tennessee dropped down just seven spots but recouped additional picks in the fourth and seventh.

Chicago packaged a first-round pick, a third-round pick, a fourth-round pick and a 2018 third-rounder to move up one spot on Thursday night. The Bears weren’t willing to leave anything to chance when it came to getting the quarterback they coveted.

That’s not to say the Packers can expect to bring back a similar array of picks at No. 33, but if they receive interest from quarterback-needy teams, the price of Friday’s first selection rises.

Outside of gaining more selections, why would it make sense for Thompson to move down?

Depth. This class is loaded with it.

Cornerbacks Quincy Wilson, Kevin King and Chidobe Awuzie are still there. Edge rushers Carl Lawson, Derek Rivers and Tim Williams are still on the board. Running back Dalvin Cook escaped the first round, as did guard Forrest Lamp. The Packers could drop down seven spots and still walk away with one of these players.

This is a good draft class to own a lot of selections, especially if you have needs at cornerback, edge rusher and running back as the Packers do.

Maybe Thompson has already targeted a player he likes and is ready to pull the trigger at No. 33. There’s also a possibility he’s willing to move down further and reap the benefits of a rookie class rich in talent.

“We’ll take the calls,” Thompson said.

Consider the Packers open for business.

NEXT: 2017 NFL Draft: Packers Day 2 Targets

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