If only Brian Gutekunst had listened to Green Bay Packers fans a year ago.
Gutekunst had confidence in Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes staying healthy, opting not to add a cornerback early in the draft. Alexander featured in only seven games and likely played his final snap for the Packers. Stokes avoided injury but struggled throughout the season, eventually losing snaps before not re-signing with the team in free agency.
Alexander's imminent departure will make him the fourth Packers cornerback to leave this offseason. The Packers signed Nate Hobbs, who offers inside/outside versatility, but Gutekunst's work is far from over.
It might be a year later than required, but the Packers could transform the cornerback room in this year's draft class, even if it requires trading up.
Packers trade up for dream cornerback target in 4-round NFL mock draft
Packers trade with Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may look to trade down in the first round. They only have six selections, and while this move wouldn't add quantity, it would improve the Bucs' quality of picks by swapping a fourth for a third.
It's a hefty price for Green Bay, but one well worth paying due to who was available at No. 19 overall in the mock draft simulator.
Round 1 (19): Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Packers didn't strike when Quinyon Mitchell fell into a reasonable trade-up range last year, but they make amends here. Michigan's Will Johnson should go earlier based on talent, but various mock drafts, including this simulation, have him falling.
Some analysts believe concerns over Johnson's speed and injury history could cause teams to pass early on Day 1. He didn't test due to injury, which doesn't help his stock.
If he's there at No. 19, the Packers should forget that and do everything they can to make a deal. Johnson has All-Pro potential.
"Teams love big, fluid cornerbacks with ball production and that is exactly what Johnson offers," writes Lance Zierlein of NFL.com. "He has coveted traits and his areas of concern fail to stand out as impediments for what could become a long, successful career as a future Pro Bowler."
According to Pro Football Focus, in his final two seasons at Michigan, Johnson allowed just 33 receptions and zero touchdowns while making six interceptions.
Johnson is the perfect Alexander replacement and could start next to Hobbs and Keisean Nixon from Day 1.
Round 2 (54): Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
Packers receivers struggled with drops last season, and Jordan Love didn't have a go-to target he knew would make a play when he needed it the most. Iowa State's Jayden Higgins can become that receiver.
What does Green Bay covet at the position? Size, athleticism, and production. Check, check, check. Higgins is 6-foot-4 and 214 pounds and dominated the athletic testing this offseason. He ran a 4.47-second 40, posted elite scores in the vertical and broad jumps, and a good-enough 7.05-second three-cone time. All told, Higgins earned an elite 9.63 Relative Athletic Score.
Production? You bet. Higgins starred in the Iowa State passing game, catching 140 passes for 2,166 yards and 15 touchdowns across two seasons.
With Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs entering contract years, Higgins could become the target for Love.
Round 4 (121): Charles Grant, OL, William & Mary
Matt LaFleur's belief that Jordan Morgan can play at left tackle makes things interesting, but the offensive line should still be on the Packers' list of priorities. Just like they have a phenomenal track record of hitting on second-round receivers, their history of landing quality offensive linemen on Day 3 is equally as stellar.
The Packers have no problem selecting prospects from small schools. Charles Grant is an excellent pass-protector and offers positional versatility. Gutekunst never drafts college guards, instead preferring left tackle prospects who can move inside if needed (see: Jordan Morgan). Grant would provide immediate depth at multiple positions and has future starting potential.
Round 4 (124): Jamaree Caldwell, DL, Oregon
The Packers sent their top decision-makers to the Oregon pro day. They may have wanted a closer look at Derrick Harmon or Jordan Burch, but Jamaree Caldwell is another name to watch.
Caldwell would be an ideal replacement for T.J. Slaton along the defensive line. He is an outstanding run defender who can take on double teams and make life easier for the other linemen, including Pro Bowler Kenny Clark. The Packers love to draft prospects from the Senior Bowl, and Caldwell may have put himself on their radar with an impressive week in Mobile, Alabama.
The Packers could target his teammate Harmon on Day 1, but Caldwell would make a ton of sense in the middle rounds.