Brian Gutekunst spoke about the Green Bay Packers needing more urgency, and he could prove it by giving the Cleveland Browns a call.
Six-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher Myles Garrett has requested a trade, leading to fans of the other 31 teams dreaming of a possible deal. Garrett said in his statement that he wants to win a Super Bowl, so that at least rules out the Chicago Bears.
The Packers are one of the few teams in position to make it work. They have the cap space to take on his contract, enough draft picks to make a big offer, and the team is ready to compete in the NFC with the addition of a game-changer like Garrett.
What would it take? While it's not a move the Packers would typically make, they can make it happen. Let's explore that possibility.
Note: This mock was built using the Pro Football Focus mock draft simulator.
Green Bay Packers make multiple trades in 2025 NFL mock draft
Packers-Browns Myles Garrett trade
If the Packers are going to trade for Garrett, we have to accept it could cost multiple first-rounders. At best, they would likely have to give up this year's first and a bunch of premium picks. We keep it simple with this proposal — two firsts and former first-round pick Lukas Van Ness, who still has potential despite failing to hit expectations in his first two seasons.
The Browns add two premium draft picks to help their rebuild while hoping a change of scenery can help Van Ness reach his potential as an NFL starter. The Packers pair Garrett with Rashan Gary, Kingsley Enagbare, and Brenton Cox Jr. as one of the best edge-rusher groups in the league.
Packers-Chiefs trade
After losing their first-rounder, the Packers regain some draft capital by trading down in the second round. They receive two third-rounders from the Kansas City Chiefs while parting ways with a second and a sixth. It sets them up nicely to begin addressing two other key needs.
Round 3 (66): Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State
The Packers will likely add a wide receiver this offseason, and Utah State's Jalen Royals falling to the top of the third round was a dream scenario.
Gutekunst will love Royals. He meets the Packers' strict size thresholds, dominated at the Senior Bowl, and backed it up with strong college production. Royals runs good routes, hurts defenses after the catch, and has the speed to win vertcially, something the Packers need while Christian Watson is out.
He caught 21 touchdowns in his final 20 games for Utah State and could make a fast start to his NFL career in Matt LaFleur's offense.
Round 3 (87): Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
It's only February, but this isn't our first Packers mock draft featuring Azareye'h Thomas. It won't be the last, either.
With Garrett fixing the pass rush and Royals upgrading the wide receiver room, it's time to focus on cornerback. Thomas might become a Round 1 or 2 prospect by the time April arrives, but for now, the PFF simulator had him falling to No. 87 overall.
Thomas backed up the Quinyon Mitchell comparisons at the Senior Bowl, capping off an excellent year. In 2024, no receiver found the end zone in his coverage. He excels in press-man coverage and could be a Day 1 starter if the Packers release Jaire Alexander.
Round 3 (96): Nohl Williams, CB, California
Gutekunst often doubles down at positions of need, and he will need to take that approach at cornerback if the Packers lose Alexander, Eric Stokes, and Corey Ballentine.
Williams would give the Packers yet another ball-hawk in the secondary, something they didn't get from Stokes, who had zero pass defenses or interceptions after his rookie season. Williams made seven interceptions and nine pass defenses in 2024.
"Nohl Williams is a highly competitive and physical corner who won't back down to any receiver," writes The Draft Network's Daniel Harms.
Assuming Alexander, Stokes, and Ballentine are gone this offseason, the Packers could rebuild at cornerback with Thomas and Williams joining Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine.