While it seems the Green Bay Packers might be content to sit at pick 14 in the NFL Draft and let one of the top defensive players slide to them, trading down could net them enough picks to rebuild their secondary and pass rush.
The following are some realistic trade possibilities using the trade value chart from http://walterfootball.com/draftchart.php.
Trading down from 14: Scenario #1
Packers receive 1st (17) and 2nd (48) from the LA Chargers for 1st (14)
GBP give up 1,100 points in value, receives 1,270
If the Chargers are looking for Phillip Rivers’ replacement, they may need to move in front of the Arizona Cardinals to get him. In this scenario, the Packers can still get one of their defensive targets at 17, but they add in an extra 2nd to fill another need. The Chargers should overpay in this situation to get their QB, but Green Bay might have to add on a mid-round pick to get it done.
Trading down from 14: Scenario #2
Packers receive 1st (24), 2nd (55), and 3rd (85) from the Carolina Panthers for 1st (14)
GBP give up 1,100 points in value, receive 1,255
With all the talk of 4-5 QBs going before pick 14, the Packers are set to get one of the top defensive players in the draft with their first pick. Moving down to 24 definitely jeopardizes that scenario. However, if Brian Gutekunst thinks he can hit on multiple players with 6 picks of the first 85 players, he may look to acquire more selections. Cornerback does look like a relatively deep position, and having this many high picks would allow the Packers to address the secondary, pass rush, offensive line, and receiver. However, they may miss out on the one impact player they were hoping for.
Trading down from 14: Scenario #3
Packers receive 1st (31), 2nd (43), and 2nd (63) from the New England Patriots for 1st (14)
GBP give up 1,100 points in value, receive 1,346
The Pats have more ammo as a result of the Jimmy Garoppolo trade, and Bill Belichick is always looking to move up-and-down the draft board. In this situation the Packers are relying on the depth of the draft over getting one top player, and would pick 4 times between 31-63. It certainly wouldn’t be a popular move with the fanbase.
Green Bay will be picking higher than they have in years, and it will be important to get an impact player with the pick. However, there are several areas on the roster that need improvement and trading down could be one avenue towards meeting several of them.
Knowing the value in advance gives a better idea of where the Packers could be heading if they do decide to move down in the draft.
Andrew Mertig is a a lifelong Packers fan and draft enthusiast. He has covered the NFL draft for radio and television stations in Green Bay. He is currently a host of the Pack-A-Day podcast and a writer for PackersTalk.com. You can follow him on Twitter @andrewmertig