Mock Draft Monday: Trade Up for a CB… or Stockpile Picks? Packers Draft Debate
Newt Westen dives into whether the Packers should trade up from pick 52 to target a true difference-maker at corner, or move back and load up on volume. While some favor accumulating picks and drafting corners in bulk, this mock makes the case for prioritizing one sure-fire guy over a crowded pool of maybes.
By Newt Westen
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Newt Westen is the Founder of 0-Tech Draft, contributor for The Draft Professor and Lead NFL Draft Analyst for CheeseheadTV.com. He's a lifetime Packers fan and you can follow Newt at @NFLDraft_Westen on X.
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Comments (16)
golfpacker61
February 09, 2026 at 09:03 am
Try this instead :
60. Davison Igbinosun-CB Ohio State-trade with Buffalo
84. GB-Treydan Stukes-CB Arizona-Doubled up because Stukes was there
120. Malachi Fields-WR Notre Dame-Biggest riser Senior Bowl-Best hands in draft
126.-Tim Keenan III-DT Alabama-pick from Buffalo-ultimate run stopper
158. Trey Zuhn III-OC Texas A&M-All SEC @ LT/OG/OC
166. JC Davis-OT Illinois-other pick from Buffalo-6'4 330
219. DJ Campbell-OG Texas-3 year starter-6'5 330
223. Dontae Balfour-CB Texas Tech-6'2 200- Triple up on biggest problem
236.Kendal Daniels-LB Oklahoma-Wild card-6'4 240-played S, LB, Edge
254. Aaron Graves-DT Iowa-Dbl up-6'5 300 6 sacks last year
257. J. Michael Sturdivant-WR Florida-6'3 210-runs high 4.3s great hands
A few trades-Filled biggest holes in roster
Resign Sean Rhyan
Free agents
Charlie Kolar-TE
Nakobe Dean or Leo Chenel - LB
Jedrick Wills-OT/OG
Try to trade Musgrave to Titans for D'Vondre Sweat
Joemailman
February 09, 2026 at 10:04 am
Fields is now a likely 2nd round pick.
stockholder
February 09, 2026 at 10:20 am
Stukes and tim Keenan works for me.
golfpacker61
February 09, 2026 at 11:53 am
I think you are the one that updated me on Keenan, Stockholder. He looks like exactly what we need thru the draft. I am really high on Stukes as well. GB needs to get really lucky like other teams have in finding a shutdown CB. News Flash-They are GONE by the 7th round!!!
In the draft I look for CBs that have amassed a solid amount of tackles, but also the ones that have shown they are playmakers with multiple interceptions and Stukes hits both. Stukes size is something that sets him apart from other CBs.
My draft plan is always based on filling needs with the first 3 picks, with TOP 100 players that have a legitimate chance to start. Then I look to see who will probably come off the board in the area of our picks at our biggest position of need. This year I see CB with our 1st pick, whether @ #52 or if we move back. 2nd pick either DT or if a Top OL falls, then the reverse of the 2nd pick with #120.
And Joemailman is correct, Malachi Fields-WR Notre Dame has become a 2nd round pick because of solid Senior Bowl. #1 WR strength, GREAT HANDS.
crayzpackfan
February 09, 2026 at 12:44 pm
"My draft plan is always based on filling needs with the first 3 picks, with TOP 100 players that have a legitimate chance to start."
Why do you have a WR as a top 3 biggest need? Just curious.
golfpacker61
February 09, 2026 at 07:36 pm
Because he was available and there were alot of DTs still available including the DT I wanted, Keenan. The tradeback gave me an extra pick in the Top 125.
crayzpackfan
February 09, 2026 at 12:41 pm
How did you turn 6 or 7 picks into 11?
golfpacker61
February 09, 2026 at 07:40 pm
We are supposed to have 8, our 6 and 2 comp picks. I got 3 extra picks by trading back twice. 2 were from moving back from #52.
Starrbrite
February 09, 2026 at 08:43 pm
Golf—I like this very much. I especially like the idea of trading Musgrave for Sweat, although I think we may have to give more than only our TE?
gsd3
February 10, 2026 at 03:00 am
The majority of Stukes snaps were in the slot. We already have Bullard there.
I would lean towards Julian Neal.
golfpacker61
February 10, 2026 at 09:07 am
Stukes can play both positions. He is strong at everything, but especially in coverage. His size is a big bonus. Also mid 4.4s 40.
gsd3
February 10, 2026 at 09:41 am
Thanks for the info. Glad to hear it!
PackEyedOptimist
February 09, 2026 at 06:02 pm
I always enjoy seeing everyone else's ideas!
Just did a PFN; I wasn't happy with how things kept falling, but here's my results:
52. Emmett Johnson RB Nebraska I'm super high on him as a returner/RB
84. Darrell Jackson Jr. DT Florida State Fills the NT need
120. GB Tacario Davis CB Washington Tall CB #1
158. Dontay Corleone DT Cincinnati More DT competition
200. Ephesians Prysock CB Washington Tall CB #2
236. Sam Roush TE Stanford I'm a big fan of him
254. DJ Campbell OG Texas I really struck out on OL in this draft
257. Mason Reiger EDGE Wisconsin Maybe he works out
golfpacker61
February 09, 2026 at 07:45 pm
I have drafted 6 of those in my mocks too PackEyedO. We think alike. I really like Campbell-OG, and also 2 Miami O-Lineman. Anez Cooper-OG-6'6 350 & Markell Bell-6'9 340lbs. Also Trey Zuhn-Texas A&M-plays all 3 positions, and is projected at Center which we need if Rhyan isn't back.
gsd3
February 10, 2026 at 03:04 am
The OL group from Iowa was ranked #1 in college in 2025. I would lean towards guys from that group as far as the interior. Dunker, Stephens and Logan.
PackEyedOptimist
February 10, 2026 at 08:46 am
Had some better trade offers this morning.
I basically traded down twice and ended up with five "sort of"
third round picks, which had pretty good players available:
76. Darrell Jackson Jr. DT Florida State Huge, powerful, run stopper
84. Jadarian Price RB Notre Dame One of my favorite all-purpose backs in this draft
85. Will Lee III CB Texas A&M CB#1
92. Treydan Stukes CB Arizona CB#2 Lee AND Stukes would be a great get
95. Domonique Orange DT Iowa State Bonus NT
236. Sam Roush TE Stanford Like him as a #2 or #3 TE
254. Markel Bell OT Miami (FL) Once again, OL value didn't fall to me
257. Patrick Payton EDGE LSU I like him as a developmental edge