Big trade with Texans shakes up Packers 4-round mock draft

The Green Bay Packers enter the 2024 NFL Draft in an excellent position with five top-100 picks. It gives general manager Brian Gutekunst enough resources to trade up, but what if he does the opposite?

Packers fans aren't talking enough about the possibility of moving down for even more premium draft capital. If Green Bay's top targets are off the board, why not trade down and take another swing of the bat on Day 2?

The draft is all about value. Gutekunst pulled off a quick double trade-down in the second round last year. It cost the Packers Brian Branch, but they turned the additional picks into Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Karl Brooks—a home run.

Should the Packers wish to trade down, a team to watch is the Houston Texans. They own eight picks in total, including two second-rounders but no firsts. They could package both Day 2 picks to get back into the first round.

In this mock draft, Green Bay gives up its first-rounder but lands a sixth top-100 pick, including four in the second round. The Packers would also gain additional flexibility by picking back-to-back twice on Day 2.

2024 NFL Mock Draft: Packers trade down, fix biggest needs

Round 2 (41): Jordan Morgan, T, Arizona

Trading down this far and still landing Arizona's Jordan Morgan is a huge win. Morgan checks every box for the Packers. He tested well at the NFL Combine, earning an elite Relative Athletic Score of 9.10. Morgan plays a premium position, having spent the past three seasons at left tackle for Arizona.

His position in Green Bay would depend on Matt LaFleur's vision. Many draft analysts believe Morgan will stay at left tackle in the pros, while others think he can become a Pro Bowl interior lineman. Morgan would either compete with Rasheed Walker for the left tackle job or get the chance to start at guard. Either way, he would be a home-run pick at No. 41.

Round 2 (42): Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M

One pick later, the Packers land a perfect complement to Quay Walker in the middle of the defense. Edgerrin Cooper is another outstanding athlete with an RAS of 9.26. He is a perfect fit in Jeff Hafley's scheme, and the Packers could use him as a blitzer.

"He's a capable quarterback spy, can blitz the pocket and will be an instant hit on special teams," writes Lance Zierlein of NFL.com.

Cooper had eight sacks last season and would give Green Bay a much-needed upgrade at linebacker following De'Vondre Campbell's departure.

Round 2 (58): Max Melton, CB, Rutgers

The Packers may be happy with Carrington Valentine or Eric Stokes starting on the outside opposite Jaire Alexander and Keisean Nixon in the slot, but they desperately need more cornerback depth.

Max Melton deserves second-round consideration after an excellent showing at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. Melton has an RAS of 9.57, highlighted by an impressive 4.39-second 40-yard dash. He would compete for a starting job on the outside, but Melton may become an even better player in the slot.

Round 2 (59): Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky

The benefit of picking four times in the second round is being able to move away from positions of need. Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley, also known as the "YAC King," could play the Deebo Samuel role in Matt LaFleur's offense. According to Jonathon Macri of Pro Football Focus, almost three-quarters of Corley's receiving yards have come after the catch over the past two seasons.

Corley can line up all over the field. He is a former running back, which is evident when watching him make defenders miss. The ban on hip-drop tackles will make Corley even tougher to defend in the NFL.

Round 3 (88): Cole Bishop, S, Utah

Brian Gutekunst said the Packers would "prefer" to add a young safety "that's gonna have his best football ahead of him." That could rule out several free-agent options, meaning the Packers will find a starter to play alongside Xavier McKinney in the draft.

Utah's Cole Bishop could be the Packers' top-rated safety in the class due to his athleticism (9.87 RAS) and versatility. Bishop can line up anywhere in the secondary. McKinney deep and Bishop in the box would be the ideal combination, but both safeties have the versatility to move around.

"Keep in mind very few NFL safeties are elite athletes, and Bishop is without question on the higher end of the athletic spectrum. He also plays with a high football IQ that shows up in all phases of his game," writes Greg Cosell of The 33rd Team.

Round 3 (91): Ben Sinnott, TE, Kansas State

Add Ben Sinnott, and Green Bay could have the most talented tight end room in the NFL. Sinnott is perfect for the H-back role recently vacated by Josiah Deguara. He is one of the best athletes in the class, earning a 9.72 RAS, while offering the versatility to do a bit of everything in LaFleur's offense.

Sinnott would be an upgrade on Deguara. His run-blocking ability would make him perfect for the H-back role but don't underestimate his receiving ability, having caught 80 passes for 1,123 yards and 10 touchdowns over the past two seasons. And his arrival would make Josh Jacobs' life far easier.

Round 4 (126): Beaux Limmer, C, Arkansas

Beaux Limmer is another perfect Packers prospect. Athleticism? Limmer has an RAS of 9.82. Versatility? He played guard and center during his time at Arkansas and could line up at any of the interior positions in Green Bay.

"Beaux Limmer has the physical tools and the right temperament to develop into a quality starter in the NFL," writes The Draft Network's Keith Sanchez.

Limmer would instantly compete with Josh Myers and Sean Rhyan for a starting job and, at worst, would be the No. 1 backup.

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