Packers looking to trade up in first round of draft, per report
The Green Bay Packers are reportedly looking to trade up in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
New general manager Brian Gutekunst has already made it clear that he isn’t afraid to be aggressive.
He could be about to make a big splash on the opening night of the 2018 NFL Draft.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Packers are interested in trading up from No. 14 on Thursday night.
The new #Packers may be on display Thursday night. They are among the teams plotting a potential trade up -- from No. 14 -- for a top-tier talent, sources say. It would be their first opening round move up since Clay Matthews in 2009.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 25, 2018
Ryan Wood of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel echoed Rapoport’s words, and also said trading down is a possibility.
Have heard this too. One source familiar with Brian Gutekunst suspects new GM wants to make splash with his first pick. Trading down not out of question either, depending how board falls and ability to move up. Closer 1st round gets, less likely it seems #Packers will pick at 14. https://t.co/MX4nOaceSL
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) April 25, 2018
Trading up would make a ton of sense for the Packers. They currently own a league-high 12 picks. If possible, why not move up a few spots to select a potential difference maker on defense? The value of a higher pick could outweigh the quantity of mid-round selections they currently own.
So, who could the Packers look to move up for?
Cornerback Denzel Ward could be top of the list. NFL Draft analyst Tony Pauline reported last week that the Packers “truly covet” Ward.
And why wouldn’t they? Ward is the premier cornerback in this year’s class, and the team desperately needs an upgrade in the secondary. Pair Ward with Kevin King and the defensive backfield would look in much better shape.
Gutekunst can’t rely on Ward falling to No. 14. It probably won’t happen. He’ll likely need to move up to have a chance of selecting him.
If not Ward, safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick and Derwin James could be in play. Both defensive backs could line up in multiple positions in Mike Pettine’s defense, and both have a ton of potential.
What about Bradley Chubb? There’s a good chance he’s gone inside the top four picks, but what if he’s still available at No. 5 or No. 6? Would Gutekunst be willing to jump up to select the draft’s premier edge rusher?
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Time will tell what he has in mind.