Packers benefit from Stefon Diggs trade in 4-round 2024 NFL mock draft

The Green Bay Packers enter the 2024 NFL Draft with five picks in the opening three rounds, but that shouldn't prevent them from trading down.

It's never a bad idea to acquire additional draft capital, and Green Bay needs depth at various positions, including tackle, linebacker, cornerback, and safety.

Stefon Diggs' trade to the Houston Texans creates an interesting scenario for the Packers. The Buffalo Bills, who hit the clock three picks after Green Bay, desperately need a wide receiver. Other teams know that and could jump ahead of Buffalo if a top receiver prospect falls into the 20s.

Last year, the Packers made two quick trade-downs in the second round. Deals with the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw Green Bay move from No. 45 to No. 50. Instead of drafting one player, the Packers got Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Karl Brooks. That works.

In this mock draft scenario, LSU's Brian Thomas Jr. was still available when the Packers hit the clock at No. 25 overall. To prevent missing out on a potential WR1 to replace Diggs, Buffalo could move up three spots to get its target while Green Bay adds more draft capital.

Packers trade down with Bills in NFL mock draft

Round 1 (28): Graham Barton, OL, Duke

This would be a dream scenario for the Packers. They move down three spots and still land a perfect fit in the opening round. Duke's Graham Barton checks every box. He can play all five positions along the offensive line and earned a Relative Athletic Score of 9.99 out of 10 after an impressive Pro Day performance.

Green Bay could let Barton compete at tackle or move him inside. He has Pro Bowl potential and could fill the void at right guard following Jon Runyan's departure while providing depth elsewhere.

Round 2 (41): T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State

The Packers added an Iowa State defensive back last year by drafting Anthony Johnson Jr. They could target his college teammate early on Day 2.

T.J. Tampa is 6-foot-1 and 189 pounds and could be a perfect fit for Jeff Hafley's aggressive defensive scheme. Tampa has the physicality to excel in press coverage, which we will see more of under Hafley. In his final two seasons at Iowa State, Tampa broke up 16 passes and intercepted three.

The only concern is Tampa didn't earn an elite Relative Athletic Score, which often rules out prospects for the Packers. However, his score of 6.74 falls into the "good" category, and he posted elite agility numbers.

Round 2 (58): Payton Wilson, LB, NC State

Payton Wilson's injury history may keep him out of the first round, but if the Packers are happy with his medical reports, he could be a steal on Day 2. Wilson is a phenomenal athlete, earning an RAS of 9.88.

If he can stay healthy, Wilson could make an immediate impact as a starter in Hafley's defense. In 12 games last season, he made an impressive 138 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, six pass defenses, and three interceptions, including a pick-six.

Round 3 (88): Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee

Tennessee's Jaylen Wright would be the perfect complement to Josh Jacobs and AJ Dillon, giving the Packers a thunder-and-lightning combination at running back. Wright ran an impressive 4.38-second 40-yard dash to go with an RAS of 9.81. Wright's game-changing speed would make him a home-run hitter in Matt LaFleur's offense.

Round 3 (91): Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State

The Packers need to draft another safety to pair with Xavier McKinney, and Washington State's Jaden Hicks is a name to watch on Day 2. Hicks' Pro Day performance could see him skyrocket up the Packers' board, with reports he ran the 40 in 4.46 seconds. He could play multiple positions in the secondary, including in the slot, but he could be an excellent box safety with McKinney playing deep.

Round 4 (126): Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame

The Packers need to add multiple offensive linemen, having lost David Bakhtiari, Yosh Nijman, and Jon Runyan Jr. this offseason. Notre Dame's Blake Fisher can play at left or right tackle and could back up Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom in year one as the swing tackle. He has starting potential in the NFL.

Round 4 (128): Khristian Boyd, DL, Northern Iowa

With the additional fourth-rounder from the Bills, the Packers continue to build the defensive line. They have hosted Khristian Boyd for a Top 30 visit, and he would provide more interior pass rush as part of the defensive tackle rotation in year one.

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