Green Bay, WI – As Day 3 of the NFL Draft approaches, the Green Bay Packers are in a perfect position to play the long game — and that means trading down to stockpile picks.
If the right player doesn’t fall into their lap at their current Day 3 selections, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst should waste no time flipping a fifth-round pick into multiple later-round selections — ideally two picks in the sixth and seventh rounds.
Why?
Because Day 3 isn’t about finding polished superstars. It’s about taking more swings — betting on upside, traits, and potential developmental gems.
Flexibility is King
The later rounds are where smart front offices thrive. The Packers have built depth in recent years by finding value late — players like Zach Tom, Kingsley Enagbare, and Jonathan Ford were all Day 3 additions who have contributed.
With teams often scrambling to fill roster needs on Day 3, Green Bay could exploit that urgency by offering pick swaps that net them more lottery tickets.
The Strategy in Action
-
Trade one fifth-round pick ➔ Receive two later picks (6th and 7th round).
-
Target high-upside prospects: developmental linemen, athletic DBs, special teams aces.
Quantity matters when you have the scouting to back it up — and few teams do it better than the Packers.
Big Picture
By trading down, the Packers would maximize draft capital, build deeper competition across the roster, and keep the long-term core strong without mortgaging future flexibility.
Sometimes the smartest move on Day 3 isn’t swinging big — it’s swinging often.
