Packers 2022 Draft: Three potential trade partners in first round

Death, taxes, and Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst trading up in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Since Gutekunst became the GM, there has only been one draft class where he hasn’t traded up on the opening night. That was a year ago when the Packers selected Eric Stokes 29th overall.

If the Packers want to use one, or both, of their first-round picks to move up this year, which teams could be potential partners?

Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles have already stocked up on draft picks both this year and next. They currently own the No. 15 and No. 18 picks in the first round.

It would come as no surprise if the Eagles answer calls about one of those picks.

Green Bay’s first selection is at No. 22. Moving up four spots could be a possibility if there’s an edge rusher or wide receiver the Packers don’t want to miss out on.

New England Patriots

The New England Patriots love to trade down.

New England owns the No. 21 pick. Green Bay will pick No. 22 and No. 28. Gutekunst could offer either of those selections in a trade.

To move up from No. 22 to No. 21, the Packers would likely only need to offer a Day 3 pick in return.

It would be more expensive to jump up from No. 28, potentially costing as much as a third-round pick. However, the Packers would then own consecutive first-rounders at Nos. 21 and 22 overall.

Arizona Cardinals

Another team potentially looking to trade down could be the Arizona Cardinals.

Arizona owns one pick in each of the opening three rounds, but then zero in the fourth and fifth rounds.

If the Packers swapped the No. 28 pick for No. 23, they could either offer a third-rounder, or possibly two fourth-rounders. Arizona gets to stock up on picks later on, while Green Bay moves up to own consecutive selections at Nos. 22 and 23.