Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst during the NFL combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
GREEN BAY, WI (WSAU) – As the Green Bay Packers prepare to watch cornerbacks and tight ends on day two of the NFL draft combine, the team hosted some of the draft’s top prospects for formal and informal interviews that could lead to some being invited to Green Bay for an official visit.
According to Packers Insider, the Packers hosted Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Georgia safety Javon Bullard, Miami safety Kamren Kinchens, Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt, Texas running back Jonathan Brooks, Notre Dame running back Audric Estime, and Oregon safety Evan Williams so far for both formal and informal interviews.
GM Brian Gutekunst has spoken about the need to continue to improve the Packers’ skill positions, such as running back and even wide receiver, saying, “We’re going to bring in players to compete with them (current receivers). It is a strong room as we sit here today, which is exciting. But what they do from now until the middle of next season will determine that, so if we find the right players who we think can compete and add to our team, we’ll certainly do it.”
Veteran running back A.J. Dillon is expected to be a free agent this offseason, and with Aaron Jones’s deal coming to an end in the near future, the need for a new long-term running back is becoming a crucial need for the franchise. Jonathan Brooks is considered a top-three running back in the 2024 class by many draft experts, despite tearing his ACL late in the 2023 season. He is expected to be in high demand come April’s draft if he can avoid being flagged for injury during the combine.
Where do you rank #Texas RB Jonathan Brooks in this RB class?
2023 season:
732 yards after contact
64 MTF
24 explosive runs
1.50 YPRR pic.twitter.com/Jrl8HoTdvD— Nick Penticoff (@NickPenticoff) February 24, 2024
Gutekunst also spoke about the need to add versatile defensive backs, saying, “It really helps your defense to be multiple and flexible, so teams can’t get a bead on what you’re doing. So, in a perfect world, quite frankly, between the two safeties and the nickel, those three guys almost need to be interchangeable completely.”
Miami safety Kamren Kinchens fits that bill very well, as scouts note his ability to be physical in coverage, handle and overpower receivers, and bring an explosive impact in hitting, forcing fumbles and tackles for loss. Missouri’s Ennis Rakestraw Jr. also fits that description and new Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley’s scheme well due to his elite ability to play man coverage, strong football IQ, and his twitch and agility skills that allow for quick direction changes.
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