Packers fleece Aaron Rodgers' Jets again to trade up for top target in Round 4

The Green Bay Packers are building an excellent draft class, but one thing was missing.

It was about time Brian Gutekunst fleeced the New York Jets in a trade. It was around this time last year that the Packers got a great deal in the Aaron Rodgers trade, and Gutekunst has worked his magic again to kick off Day 3 of the NFL Draft.

Green Bay moved up 15 spots in the fourth round, sending New York only a late sixth-rounder in return. The Packers used the pick to select Oregon safety Evan Williams, again strengthening a position of need.

Here's the trade:

That's a great deal for the Packers. The Jets effectively asked for nothing in return for a trade-up of 15 spots. That works.

Packers Draft Grades: Evan Williams gives Green Bay another versatile chess piece on defense

Grade: B

The move-up for Evan Williams is somewhat surprising considering some of the prospects still available. Green Bay went with Williams ahead of Washington State safety Jaden Hicks and Iowa State cornerback T.J. Tampa.

But it's easy to see why they like the Oregon product. Williams has an elite Relative Athletic Score of 8.20 and comfortably meets their athletic thresholds. He also played at the Senior Bowl, which the Packers pay close attention to.

Gutekunst said he wants "interchangeable" players in the secondary. New additions Xavier McKinney and Javon Bullard provide that, and so does Williams.

"Williams is a player capable of wearing multiple hats," writes Brennen Rupp of Packers Wire. "He has the short-area quickness to man the slot and he has the range to play deep. During his collegiate career, Williams logged 604 snaps in the slot and 960 snaps at safety."

Rich Bisaccia is also a big winner, as Williams can immediately contribute on special teams.

Was Williams in the fourth round a little early? Perhaps. But he has the athleticism, traits, and versatility the Packers covet and checks almost every box. Gutekunst made him a top target to trade up for, which shows they have a role in mind for him.

Green Bay's safety room is much improved from last year, and depth is no longer an issue. McKinney, Bullard, and Williams can all move around the defensive backfield and join Anthony Johnson Jr. in a talented young room.

The best part? They got their player while fleecing the Jets in the process.

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