Packers: Three bold predictions for 2021 NFL Draft

3. Packers double-down at cornerback

GM Brian Gutekunst has been more than willing to double-down at positions of need in the past. In fact, he’s tripled-down in the past, including selecting wide receivers J’Mon Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Equanimeous St. Brown on Day 3 of the 2018 draft, and interior offensive linemen Jon Runyan Jr., Jake Hanson, and Simon Stepaniak in 2020.

In ’18, Gutekunst traded up for Jaire Alexander in the first round then doubled-down at cornerback, selecting Josh Jackson in the second.

A year later, edge rusher and safety were among the team’s top needs. Gutekunst signed Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith in free agency then drafted Rashan Gary 12th overall. At safety, he signed Adrian Amos then traded up for Darnell Savage 21st overall.

Despite signing Kevin King to a one-year extension, cornerback is the team’s top need entering the draft. The Packers haven’t yet signed a free-agent corner, so I predict they’ll double-down in the draft. It might not be in the opening two rounds as we saw in ’18, but it could be a combination of an early-round pick and a Day 3 selection.

Cornerback depth is a concern this year, and both King and Chandon Sullivan will be free agents again in 2022. Don’t be surprised if the Packers add two cornerbacks in this week’s draft.