Packers Fans Rejoice: Packers Bolster Defense With Key Picks in…

The two most valuable defensive positions in football are edge rusher and cornerback. The Green Bay Packers have had problems this year with both of them to different degrees, so nothing would make more sense than addressing them in next year’s draft, which will be held in the city of Green Bay.

In the two-round mock, the Packers took an edge rusher and a cornerback.

24. Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College

AJ Schulte’s analysis: Green Bay’s pass rush has entered the conversation for the most disappointing room this season. With players like Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, and Devonte Wyatt, they were expected to help carry the defense and make the Packers playoff contenders. Instead, they’ve been a clear weakness. Nobody has shot up draft boards more than Ezeiruaku this season. In a class lacking names beyond the top group, don’t be shocked if he starts emerging as a first-round candidate as the draft cycle continues.

Wendell Ferreira’s analysis: The Packers have had a tough transition from 3-4 to 4-3 for the edge defenders. Rashan Gary, Kingsley Enagbare and Lukas Van Ness have combined for only 36 pressures this season through nine games. Based on that production, and since the Packers traded Preston Smith away to the Pittsburgh Steelers, it makes sense for Green Bay to get an edge in the first round.

This is especially true because general manager Brian Gutekunst has shown his inclination to invest in the position early and often.

Moreover, Donovan Ezeiruaku is a lighter rusher, and this seems to be a better fit for Jeff Hafley’s scheme — and a possible reason for the early struggle, since Gary and Van Ness are heavier players.

55. Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

AJ Schulte’s analysis: The Packers continue their defensive overhaul by adding a traitsy, physical cornerback to their secondary in Davison Igbinosun.

Wendell Ferreira’s analysis: The Packers did not exercise the 5th-year option on Eric Stokes , so he will be a free agent in 2025. Jaire Alexander is getting older, and Carrington Valentine hasn’t played as much this season. So cornerback is both a short- and long-term need in Green Bay. Gutekunst loves to bet on traits, which means Igbinosun could be an attractive option.