Packers 2018 Draft: Five burning questions entering draft

5. Will the Packers trade up in the first round?

The last time the Packers traded up in the first round was back in 2009, when they made a move for Clay Matthews. Pass rushers of his caliber are always in high demand and typically in short supply and that seems to be the case this year with Bradley Chubb and Harold Landry standing out as arguably the two best prospects at their position.

Then again, Gutekunst may opt to address his team’s ongoing pass coverage woes and make a play for the hands-down No. 1 cornerback Denzel Ward, who features quick feet, loose hips and the ability to excel in both man and zone coverage.

His decision to sit out the Cotton Bowl when potential NFL franchise quarterback Sam Darnold was on the field may leave a bad taste in some people’s mouths, but that and his lack of experience may be his only flaws.

If one of these players is available anywhere from the ninth through 12th slots, there’s probably a better than 50-50 chance that Gutekunst throws caution to the wind and makes a deal to get his man. The fact that he’ll have a dozen picks at his disposal makes this call a rather easy one.