2024 NFL Mock Draft: Packers make big trade in 4-round projection

Picking five times in the opening three rounds gives the Green Bay Packers draft-day flexibility. They can move around the draft board or stay in their current position and take multiple attempts at landing a game-changing addition to the roster.

Trading down isn't always a popular choice, but it can be effective. The Packers' double trade-down in the second round last year worked beautifully. Two quick trades moved Green Bay from No. 45 to No. 50, acquiring additional picks in the fifth and sixth rounds. The results? Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Karl Brooks. That works.

The Packers could move in either direction on the opening night of the draft. One possibility is trading down.

In this mock draft, they make a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, who could target a wide receiver in the first round.

Round 1 (32): Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri

Packers trade with Chiefs

Despite moving down seven spots, the Packers land arguably the steal of the first round with Missouri's Darius Robinson. Brian Gutekunst prioritizes premium positions early, using four of his previous seven first-round choices on pass rushers and cornerbacks. With Robinson falling to No. 32 overall, this was an easy choice.

Robinson can play across the defensive line but switched to lining up mostly on the edge in his final season at Missouri. He is an outstanding run defender and has the potential to become a Pro Bowl pass rusher. He is 6-foot-5, 286 pounds, and could play as a defensive end in Jeff Hafley's 4-3 scheme with the versatility to move inside.

"Saints star Cam Jordan came to mind when I watched Robinson [at the Senior Bowl]. Robinson dominated in one-on-ones," writes NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah. "The arrow is clearly pointing up for my No. 32 prospect in the draft."

Robinson made 8.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in his final season at Missouri. His impressive week at the Senior Bowl will have earned the Packers' attention. They have drafted 10 Senior Bowl participants over the past two years—11 if we include Bo Melton, who Green Bay signed in December 2022.