Packers trade back into third round, select LB Oren Burks

The Green Bay Packers traded back into the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft to select Vanderbilt linebacker Oren Burks.

New general manager Brian Gutekunst has now turned to defense with all three of his selections.

After selecting cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson in the opening two rounds, the Packers have now strengthened their front seven with Oren Burks.

Following the trade with Seattle on the opening night of the draft, Green Bay entered Day 2 without a third-round pick. That’s now changed. The Packers gave up a fourth-round pick and fifth-rounder to move back into the third.

Burks was the player Gutekunst wanted.

Here’s what Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote about Burks in his scouting report:

"“In today’s game filled with hybrid players and sub-packages, Burks’ background could make him more valuable. He needs to play with more consistency in diagnosing and tackling, but his athleticism, cover talent, and ability on special teams make him a developmental prospect with decent upside.”"

The Packers have found themselves an excellent athlete in the third round.

Gutekunst has now made three trades in two days. He clearly didn’t feel Burks would still be available at No. 101, the first pick of the fourth round, which was Green Bay’s next scheduled selection, so he moved up to get him.

In four years at Vanderbilt, Burks made 228 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and five interceptions. It will be interesting to see how Mike Pettine plans to use him.

What’s quickly become clear is Gutekunst’s commitment to improve the defense. He’s now moved up twice and traded down once. He is moving around the board to pick up the players he feels will help fix the defense.

With eight picks remaining, all on Day 3, will the Packers turn to offense? They will likely still be searching for a wide receiver and offensive line depth.

What are your thoughts on the Packers’ two Day 2 selections — Josh Jackson and Oren Burks?