The Green Bay Packers did a good job addressing the larger-scale roster in free agency, re-signing a handful of notable contributors and adding much-needed reinforcements at key positions. However, general manager Brian Gutekunst has plenty of work left if the Packers want to dethrone the rival Chicago Bears as the top team in the NFC North.
After all, Gutekunst still has a few glaring needs to take care of in the draft. Working against him is that Green Bay gave up its 2026 first-round pick as part of the Micah Parsons trade.
Then again, there will still be plenty of talent available when the Packers are on the clock at No. 52. Couple that with the fact that they can go in different directions, and they should feel good about their chances of coming out of Round 2 with a game-changer.
To nobody's surprise, a trio of mock drafts has Green Bay taking completely different paths in Round 2. It highlights the tough decision Gutekunst will face as he attempts to address various positions of need without a first-round pick.
Packers mock draft roundup shows just how tough Brian Gutekunst's decision will be
Pro Football Focus: D'Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
The Packers signed cornerback Benjamin St-Juste in free agency but could still use upgrades in the secondary. That's why it wouldn't be shocking to see them go cornerback in Round 2. This is precisely why Gordon McGuinness of Pro Football Focus has them rolling with De'Angelo Ponds at No. 52.
At 5-8, Ponds lacks ideal size and length, but he's not afraid to go toe-to-toe with opposing receivers, showing aggression and physicality in man coverage. All in all, the former Indiana Hoosier possesses the skills and athleticism to give Green Bay the stability at corner they've missed since Jaire Alexander was at the top of his game.
Ponds may need to play inside at the NFL level, and the Packers lack depth there beyond Javon Bullard.
CBS Sports: Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa
With Rasheed Walker bolting for the Carolina Panthers, the Packers need to add more depth and competition along the offensive line. Jordan Morgan fared well when pressed into action last year. He'll be the first in line to replace Walker, but the team's brass could target a left tackle with bigger upside in the draft. Enter Gennings Dunker.
Josh Edwards of CBS Sports has Green Bay drafting Dunker at No. 52. He doesn't offer an explanation, but at 6-5 and 315 pounds, the former Iowa Hawkeye has the strength and toughness to become a force to be reckoned with in the pros.
Keep in mind that this isn't the first time Dunker has been dubbed a fit in Green Bay. Lombardi Ave's own John Sbisa urged the Packers to target him in the second round, even if Dunker has to move inside and play guard.
Sports Illustrated: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
It's hard to tell just what position the Packers will prioritize in Round 2, but they could go defensive tackle even after poaching Javon Hargrave from the Minnesota Vikings. After all, Hargrave could make an impact right away but may not be the long-term answer at the position.
Hence, Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated has Green Bay picking Christen Miller with the 52nd selection, arguing that the former Georgia Bulldog is just scratching the surface of his talent.
Miller is projected to go late in Round 1, so the Packers would be thrilled if he's available at No. 52, as he would give their interior pass-rush a massive boost. Sure, he needs to work on his hand usage and overall technique, but the talent is certainly there. Miller is one of the best run defenders in the entire class.
Gutekunst has a history of drafting Georgia Bulldogs. Miller could join Quay Walker, Devonte Wyatt, Eric Stokes, and Javon Bullard as recently early-round picks to join Green Bay's defense.