Multiple first-round cornerback targets are now off the table for Packers

The Green Bay Packers could target a cornerback in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. However, several potential candidates are as good as off the board after the NFL Scouting Combine.

At least five cornerbacks could hear their names called on the opening night, but we can already take a few names off the Packers' list.

General manager Brian Gutekunst follows in the footsteps of Ted Thompson and Ron Wolf. The Packers have size and athleticism thresholds they (almost) always stick to. They rarely draft cornerbacks below 5-foot-10 or 190 pounds.

Athleticism also plays a part. Under Gutekunst, 13 of Green Bay's 15 picks in the opening two rounds had an elite Relative Athletic Score. It matters.

With the NFL Combine underway, we are getting a clearer picture of which cornerbacks the Packers could target (and who they won't).

Several first-round targets are effectively off the Packers' draft board

There's always the chance of a surprise. The Packers don't always stick to their size and athleticism thresholds. However, history indicates they likely have crossed a few names off their draft board.

Clemson's Nate Wiggins had an outstanding performance during the combine testing. However, he is 6-foot-1, 173 pounds, which doesn't meet the Packers' thresholds.

Missouri cornerback Enniks Rakestraw Jr. offers the flexibility to play outside or in the slot, but we can probably forget about him heading to Green Bay in the opening two rounds. Rakestraw Jr. earned an unofficial Relative Athletic Score of 4.79 out of 10. Gutekunst's track record suggests he won't have interest in drafting the Missouri star despite his talent.

Toldeo's Quinyon Mitchell likely won't end up in Green Bay for the opposite reason. His combine performance was so good that he will almost certainly be out of range for the Packers.

Mitchell's stock was rising after an excellent showing at the Senior Bowl, and he may have solidified his spot in the top 10 at the NFL Combine. Mitchell ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash and earned an unofficial Relative Athletic Score of 9.75 out of 10.

He checks every box for the Packers, but they may need to make a significant trade to move into range to draft him.

Green Bay will have plenty of cornerback options in the early rounds of the draft. However, a number of players considered top targets are likely off the table after the NFL Combine.

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