The Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutenkunst goes into the 2025 NFL Draft with far less draft picks than in previous seasons. Gutenkunst has always been enamored with keeping as many of his drafts picks as possible. Will the Packers GM truly consider trading the teams 1st round draft pick with the city of Green Bay hosting the event?
In the last three seasons general manager Brian Gutenkunst has selected 35 players in total through the NFL draft. The team in 2025 however only hold 7 draft picks, far less ammo than the GM has gotten accustomed to. This really could limit the Packers options in terms of trading any of these picks away as Brian typically loves holding onto his picks for more swings at the plate. There are two game changing options as of now that truly make sense for the team to consider pulling the trigger on.
Option A : Myles Garrett
It is no surprise that last week Cleveland Browns game wrecker Myles Garrett requested a trade. Myles was very candid on his decision and discussed with Rich Eisen on the Rich Eisen show.
At 6’4’’ 271 lbs and 29 years old Myles Garrett is an absolute freak of nature. He can not be blocked by just one lineman, he is an absolute nightmare for any offensive coach to prepare for. Myles has put up insane numbers in his 8 seasons in the NFL. Averaging nearly 13 sacks a season is a very impressive feat when you factor in the team Garrett plays for. The Cleveland Browns are not a team that plays with a lead very much. A pass rusher is at their best when they can pin their ears back and go attack. Garrett is the fastest player in NFL history to 100 sacks. Led all pass rushers in 2024 with 83 pressures. 92+ PFF grade in FOUR straight seasons. 10+ sacks in 7 straight seasons. Had it not been for TJ Watt, Myles may have more than just his 2023 DPOY.
Myles Garrett would have to be the 1st option if Brian Gutenkunst pulls the trigger. There may not be an opportunity like this to land a generational talent like #95 for a long time.
Option B: Maxx Crosby
Another disgruntled pass rusher also is looking for a potential new home, Maxx Crosby. On up & Adams with Kay Adams, Crosby discussed his desire to win NOW.
After the 2024 MNF game vs the Las Vegas Raiders, no Packers fan could argue that Crosby is a game changer. He was a one man bowling ball on a bad defense. Imagine him on a team with great players in all 3 phases. At 6’5’’ 255 lbs and 27 years old, Crosby offers a little bit younger of an option. With potential to have a higher ceiling than his time with the Raiders, Crosby length always seems to wreak havoc on an opposing offense. Like Myles Garrett the offense always needs to know where Maxx is on any given play. Since entering the league Crosby ranks 1st with 102 tackles for loss. 5th in sacks at 58.5 and 4th in QB hits with 139. Offenses simply run the other direction when Maxx is on the field.
Option B offers another amazing choice for a team desperate for pass rush. Is having Josh Jacobs on the Green Bay Packers an advantage? Jacobs admitted to already trying to recruit Maxx. Fans are aware they are close friends, Crosby was very vocal in wanting the Raiders to keep Jacobs. This option may be the more realistic option with Jacobs on board recruiting.
Will the team be allowed to trade the 1st Round Pick?
There is one other looming question in regards to if the Packers GM Brian Gutenkunst would consider this bold move. Will he even be allowed to make such a move? There has been many of thoughts running through Packers fans minds, “there is no way the team will trade away their 1st round pick when they host the draft”. Initially upon hearing this premise it made sense, why would you want to disappoint your fans in attendance? The fans who have waited for this city to host such a big event for years. This situation actually arose just two seasons ago when the Kansas City Chiefs held the NFL draft in 2023. The previous season at the trade deadline the Chiefs were informed by ownership that they would not be allowed to trade away their 1st round pick. Due to the city hosting the draft and potentially only getting one chance to host, ownership just wouldn’t allow it even if it helped the team. Crazy scenario to think about but Justis Mosqueda and Aaron Nagler had a brief discussion about this in the video below.
The advantage is the Green Bay Packers do not have an owner they report to. This may allow Brian Gutenkunst to make a franchise altering move at the 2025 NFL draft. Go out and get that game changing pass rusher the team has been looking for and needed since Reggie White and Clay Matthews left town. A very special pass rusher has been an integral part of the last 2 Super Bowl championships in Titletown. Years ago we all remember Gutey trying to go get Khalil Mack and just missing out to a division rival. Let’s hope the team tries to swing for the fences one more time and pulls off that bold move by trading for Maxx Crosby or Myles Garrett. If there was ever a time and a season to pull this type of trade off, it would be this season. The Packers fans in attendance the night of the 2025 NFL Draft will be more than thrilled if the team let that pick go for a game changing stud pass rusher. Go get your man Gutey!
——————Joseph is an avid Packers fan since the age of five who enjoys giving his opinions on his favorite team! The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary - Vince Lombardi. Go Pack Go!
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