Changes are coming to the Green Bay Packers' defense. New defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley arrives with a different—and likely more aggressive—scheme than we've previously seen during Matt LaFleur's tenure.
More single-high safety and press-man looks require different skill sets in the secondary. Three Packers safeties have expiring contracts this offseason, which may force general manager Brian Gutekunst to start over at the position.
The Packers pick three times in the opening two rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft. They hold the Nos. 25, 41, and 58 overall selections, putting them in a great position to land multiple difference-makers on defense.
Let's take a closer look at 10 early-round prospects who could significantly upgrade Green Bay's defense. These players aren't ranked solely based on talent, but also on the Packers' positional need and the potential fit in Hafley's system.
10. Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan
At 5-foot-10, 185 pounds, Michigan's Mike Sainristil doesn't meet the Packers' typical cornerback size thresholds. But there is a glaring issue at slot corner, and Sainristil is exactly what Green Bay needs.
According to PFF, Sainristil finished this season with five interceptions, six pass breakups, and 11 pressures and allowed a passer rating of just 66.6 in his coverage. He did everything in Michigan's defense.
Sainristil has game-changing ability. He shuts down receivers in the middle of the field—an area where the Packers have struggled—and gets his hands on the football. Green Bay lacked takeaways this season. Sainristil can change that.
9. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson
The Packers don't typically draft off-ball linebackers in the early rounds. Quay Walker was an exception. However, the need for good linebacker play increases in Hafley's system. Adding a linebacker early in the draft will become a priority if the Packers move on from De'Vondre Campbell.
Clemson's Jeremiah Trotter Jr. can do everything. He is a three-down linebacker who shines in coverage, tackling, and stopping the run. Trotter finished his final season at Clemson with 88 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two interceptions, and five passes defended.
8. Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
Green Bay desperately needs an upgrade at safety, and Minnesota's Tyler Nubin is one of the best in this year's rookie class. Nubin could play as the single-high safety in Hafley's defense. He is a game-changer in coverage, having made nine interceptions and seven pass defenses in his final two seasons in college.
Nubin would instantly compete for a starting job and could immediately take on a crucial role in the Packers' defense.
7. Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is a physical corner with plenty of experience playing press coverage, and he is a willing run defender. Rakestraw spends most of his time lined up at outside corner, but he has played in the slot for Missouri, providing some versatility.
Rakestraw would fit Hafley's system and compete for snaps on the outside from Day 1.
6. Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry is a first-round option for the Packers. Alongside Jaire Alexander, Green Bay could have two shutdown corners perfectly suited to Hafley's scheme, which features more man coverage.
"McKinstry has quickness, fluid hips, and confidence, which projects him to be a high-level press-man corner," writes The Draft Network's Keith Sanchez.
McKinstry only had two interceptions in three seasons at Alabama, but that's no problem when you can shut down opposing receivers. He did break up 22 passes over the past two years. McKinstry has sky-high potential as an outside corner in the NFL. If he's available at No. 25 overall, it could be an easy choice for Brian Gutekunst.
5. Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Another top cornerback in this year's class is Clemson's Nate Wiggins.
"Wiggins' combination of coverage talent and traits could make him a defensive coordinator's dream. He's tall, long and fast with rare recovery speed when beaten," writes Lance Zierlein of NFL.com.
Wiggins is an outstanding athlete and has great size at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds. He forced four turnovers this season at Clemson—two interceptions and two forced fumbles. Wiggins broke up 19 passes in his final two years in college. There's a lot to love about his game and potential in the Packers' defense.
4. T'Vondre Sweat, DL, Texas
The Packers don't desperately need to add defensive linemen early in the draft, but Texas' T'Vondre Sweat could be a home-run pick if he's available on Day 2. Green Bay must improve its run defense next season, and it starts along the defensive line.
At 6-foot-4, 362 pounds, Sweat is a powerful, dominant run defender. He regularly draws double teams in the middle of the defensive line, making life easier for his teammates. Sweat would immediately help Green Bay's run defense but can also provide some interior pass rush, having made two sacks in his final season at Texas.
3. Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami
If Green Bay targets a safety in the early rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft, Miami's Kamren Kinchens should be at the top of the list.
Kinchens is everything the Packers need at the position. He can play as a single-high safety in Hafley's defense. Kinchens is an absolute game-changer when defending the pass. He makes up ground so quickly in coverage and intercepted 11 passes in the past two seasons.
Kinchens lined up in various positions in Miami's secondary, including slot corner. He can do a bit of everything. Kinchens could start from Day 1 in Green Bay and immediately make a difference.
2. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Toldeo's Quinyon Mitchell is one of the best cornerbacks in a deep class, and he has all but secured his spot as a first-round pick. The Packers love to draft players who perform well at the Senior Bowl. Paul Bretl of Packers Wire notes that Green Bay has selected 10 Senior Bowl participants in the past two years.
That puts Mitchell on their radar. According to NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah, Mitchell was among the "winners" during the Senior Bowl practices.
"If Mitchell had the goal of proving he was the best defensive player here, consider that mission accomplished," wrote Jeremiah. "Mitchell's speed, awareness and ball skills are off the charts."
Mitchell is a playmaker. In his final two seasons at Toledo, he had an unbelievable 37 pass defenses. In 2022, he made five interceptions. Mitchell would instantly compete for a starting job at outside corner in the Packers' defense.
1. Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
Iowa's Cooper DeJean is a future star. The Packers need an outside corner, a slot corner, and help at safety—DeJean can do all of the above. His best role in the NFL is likely either in the slot or at safety, two areas the Packers must improve.
DeJean played 23 games in his final two seasons at Iowa, making seven interceptions (including three pick-sixes), 13 pass defenses, and 85 tackles. Whether the Packers view him as a cornerback, safety, or both, he can help the defense in a big way.