Green Bay, WI – April 18, 2025
The Green Bay Packers aren’t waiting around.
With an aggressive defense on the rise and Rashan Gary already anchoring the edge, Green Bay is reportedly eyeing a move up the board — from pick No. 25 to somewhere in the 17–20 range — to secure a game-wrecking pass rusher to pair with their Pro Bowl disruptor.
And the targets? Two names every scout in America knows:
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Chop Robinson (Penn State)
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Laiatu Latu (UCLA)
Both have been mocked inside the Top 15 throughout this draft cycle.
If either falls, Green Bay could pounce.
💥 The Rationale: Replace Preston Smith, Unleash the Future
Veteran Preston Smith has been rock-solid, but at 31, the clock is ticking.
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Kingsley Enagbare is still developing.
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Lukas Van Ness flashes but remains rotational.
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Rashan Gary can’t do it all.
Enter Latu or Robinson — high-upside, high-motor, and ready to contribute Day 1.
“If you’re going to beat Mahomes, Burrow, or Allen in January,” one insider said, “you need a pass rush that gets home. These guys can do that.”
🔍 Prospect Snapshot: Why They Fit Green Bay’s DNA
🧠 Chop Robinson (Penn State)
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Elite burst off the line
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Twitchy, explosive — Von Miller-lite
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Still raw but has top-tier traits
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Would thrive in Hafley’s wide 9 pressure packages
🔒 Laiatu Latu (UCLA)
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Technically polished — best hand-fighter in the class
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Excellent vision, football IQ, and counter moves
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Slight medical red flags, but top-10 film all day
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Can win now AND be a 10-year anchor
🧱 Imagine the Front:
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EDGE: Gary and Latu/Chop
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IDL: Devonte Wyatt, Kenny Clark
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Wild card: Van Ness rotating across multiple spots
That’s a nightmare front five in Hafley’s aggressive 4-man rush scheme.
📈 Strategy Check: Why Trade Up?
This isn’t just about a splash move. It’s calculated.
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The Packers have 11 picks in this draft.
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They can afford to package a Day 2 or early Day 3 pick to move up 5–8 spots.
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A top-tier EDGE won’t be there at 25. Waiting would mean missing.
“You don’t pass on a blue-chip trench guy to save a mid-round flyer,” a scout told FanHub.
🧠 Final Take
If Green Bay wants to build a dominant defense for the next 5 years, this is the swing to take.
A move up for Latu or Robinson wouldn’t just plug a hole — it would elevate the entire unit and send a message to the NFC:
The Packers aren’t just developing. They’re coming to dominate.
