The Green Bay Packers made a solid start to free agency, addressing two important needs.
Aaron Banks isn't a direct replacement for Josh Myers, but he improves the starting five along the offensive line. Elgton Jenkins will slide from left guard to center to accommodate Banks in the lineup.
Nate Hobbs can also make an immediate impact. His ability to play inside and outside provides more versatility in the secondary, allowing defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to use him wherever he fits best.
There's still work to do.
Assuming Jaire Alexander's departure is imminent, the Packers still need another cornerback. They have yet to address their hit-or-miss pass rush, with most of the top edge defenders no longer available. Green Bay also missed the chance to land DK Metcalf or Davante Adams, leaving limited options at wide receiver.
Fortunately, they can solve many of these issues in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Packers fix pass defense, land wide receiver in 3-round 2025 NFL mock draft
Round 1 (23): James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
The Packers need another game-changing pass-rusher, and James Pearce Jr. can become that player in Jeff Hafley's defense.
Pearce is one of the best athletes in the class, earning an elite 9.34 Relative Athletic Score. He backs it up with strong college production, having registered 17.5 sacks in his final 26 games for Tennessee. Pearce knows how to hurry quarterbacks. According to Pro Football Focus, he finished last season with an impressive 55 pressures.
"His twitchy movements show difference-making NFL traits that can be situational at worst and All-Pro at best," writes PFF's Trevor Sikkema.
Pearce and Rashan Gary could form an unstoppable pass-rush combination.
Round 2 (54): Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
Even after signing Nate Hobbs, the Packers need more cornerback help.
Eric Stokes signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, Corey Ballentine is a free agent, and Jaire Alexander is as good as gone. If Hobbs is going to play primarily in the slot, the Packers lack outside options beyond Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine.
A Senior Bowl standout who has received Quinyon Mitchell comparisons, Azareye'h Thomas can become a star in Hafley's defense. Brian Gutekunst might sprint from Lambeau Field to the podium to hand in the card if Thomas is available at No. 54.
Quarterbacks rarely tested Thomas. Per PFF, he faced only 33 targets last season, allowing zero touchdowns, making one interception, and giving up a passer rating of only 50.2.
Round 3 (87): Jack Bech, WR, TCU
The Packers finally get Jordan Love a receiver, taking advantage of a deep class on Day 2. TCU's Jack Bech stole the show to win the Senior Bowl MVP award, showcasing his ability against many of the best defensive backs in this rookie class.
"Bech is the type of rock-solid underneath target many championship teams can consistently pump out," writes FanSided's Mike Luciano. "Bech has some of the best hands in this class and a very wide catch radius that can help him pluck errant throws out of the air against tight coverage."
Bech is also an outstanding blocker, making him right at home in Matt LaFleur's offense. He could become Love's go-to target when he needs a play, as he makes spectacular catches look easy and rarely makes mistakes.
The TCU star would be a dream addition to the Packers' passing game.