Here you have it - our annual futile attempt at predicting who Brian Gutekunst will select with the Packers' first round pick.

Tim Backes - Malik Muhammad, CB - Not only is he at a position of need, but he graded at a 9.45 RAS, and we all know how much Gute loves his high-RAS guys. That's my pick.

Mark Ballard - Chris Johnson, CB - Acquiring the 2025 Mountain West Conference (MWC) Defensive Player of the Year will almost certainly require a trade up to the top of Round 2, and I predict Gutekunst will do just that. The rebuilding Tennessee Titans, at pick 35, might welcome some extra 2027 draft capital, which the Packers have. The Packers are rumored to be enamoured with Johnson, who plays a position of need and possesses desirable physical traits, leadership qualities, and a passion for the game.

Jersey Al Bracco - Christen Miller, DL - The Georgia Bulldog express continues. I don't see the Packers drafting a nose tackle-only defensive lineman with their first pick (Sorry Domonique, I'd love to see you in Green and Gold, though). Miller played 30% of his snaps at nose tackle last season and most of the rest as a three tech. Versatility is always on Gutey's mind, as is Georgia (Ray Charles says hi!), so Miller makes a ton of sense if he makes it to pick 52.. 

Kevin Gibson - Lee Hunter, DL - When Devonte Wyatt went down with injury last year, the Packers’ run defense became a sieve. Hunter is a run-stopping specialist with plenty of stops and tackles for loss on his resume who would make a fine rotational piece to help close some gaps. And he was in The Bay for a Top 30 visit, so the Packers apparently have some level of interest.

Cory Jennerjohn - Caleb Lomu, OT - Personally, I would prefer a cornerback here but my prediction has Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst opting for versatility once again by taking Lomu. The majority of his snaps in college were at left tackle but since he has nimble feet and has shown that he can succeed in both zone and man blocking schemes, he can play anywhere. And let's face it, the Packers are one injury away on the offensive line from a season's worth of peril, so adding depth isn't necessarily a bad thing. 

Kalani Jones - Dominique "Big Citrus" Orange, DL - I've gone full circle on Orange as the target in round two. Early in the draft process he was a no-brainer, and I still think he's got everything he needs to develop into an above average nose tackle for the Green and Gold. 

Luke Leavitt - Mike Washington, RB - A player Green Bay has met with in a Top-30 visit and on Zoom a second time. With the fastest 40 yard dash from an RB at the combine. The Packers can pair the speed with Josh Jacobs, and potentially be the eventual RB1. 

Maggie Loney - Lee Hunter, DL - I've been going back and forth on this because of his athletic testing and I just think he's the guy. I know Hunter would be outside the norm for Brian Gutekunst's tenure, but I think we're going to see the Packers buck some existing thresholds this draft in favor of simply getting talented football players, which Hunter is. He's a true nose tackle that played on the best run defense in football, and he'll immediately improve Green Bay's defensive line. You know who else didn't have great athletic testing? B.J. Raji. I rest my case. 

Gil Martin - Malik Muhammad, CB - He fills the biggest need the team has and could step in and contribute during his rookie season before taking over in 2027 after the likely departure of Keisean Nixon.

Mitchell McLaughlin - Dominique Orange, DL - Packers need a run stuffer in this Jonathan Gannon defense the Eagles drafted Jordan Davis for this role when Gannon was the coordinator there makes a lot of sense to show up that position.

Greg Meinholz - Dominique Orange, DL - Obviously, Orange is a favorite for the Packers, but for good reason. His size, work ethic, versatility, and athleticism just scream "Brian Gutekunst draft pick." He also fills a need for a strong nose tackle who can defend the run as well as develop into a fine pass rusher from up the middle. 

Mark Oldacres - Dominique Orange, DL - The Packers need a nose tackle from this draft, and their options for one that can start as a rookie completely dry up after Orange. The man they call ‘Big Citrus’ fits the bill. He is a strong athlete and while he is not the usual kind of versatile player Green Bay likes, he flashes some upside to be more than just a plugger in the run game.

Mike Price - Ted Hurst, WR - Ted Hurst is a classic Packers type at wide receiver and taking him a little early when wide receiver isn't exactly the team's biggest need would be a classic Gutekunst move. 

Joseph Randolph - Chris Johnson, CB  - New Defensive Coordinator Jonathan Gannon's scheme is predicated on quarters coverage, so why not select the best off-man corner in the Draft? Johnson's elite processing ability, combined with a 38" vertical and 4.40 speed, makes what will already be tight throwing windows look like mere crevices. Any ball he snags could easily be a house call the other way.

Dan Saia - Davison Igbinosun, CB - While he is an elite athlete and could make for a nightmare trio with Golden and Watson, there are immaturity concerns popping up from NFL scouts. also the style of offense he is coming from at Tennessee has not been kind to skill position players at the NFL level. 

Carter Semb - Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE - Dennis-Sutton was a four-year contributor at a high-level Big Ten school — smart, an athletic freak, and possesses a never-ending motor. He posted a 9.98 RAS score and is still only 22 years old, with an athletic profile that checks almost every box the Packers look for in edge players. He also made an impact on special teams, blocking three punts last season.