At the NFL owners meetings this week, Green Bay Packers’ general manager Brian Gutekunst expressed confidence in his current group of pass rushers, indicating there was no urgency to pursue one in the upcoming NFL Draft.

While this might hold true, the Packers haven’t been associated with any pass rushers from the free-agent pool. However, they have conducted seven reported pre-draft visits, with three involving potential first-round edge rushers. Utilizing the Pro Football Focus simulator, we selected one of these rushers and bolstered support for Jordan Love, resulting in a reimagined Green Bay roster.

Round 1, Pick 23: James Pearce Jr., Edge Rusher, Tennessee
Tennessee’s James Pearce diverges from the type of edge rusher Brian Gutekunst typically favors. Unlike Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness, who rely on power to overpower offensive tackles, Pearce is more agile, weighing about 30 pounds less than Gary and Van Ness.

Despite his smaller frame, Pearce excelled in the SEC, earning first-team all-SEC honors in his final two seasons with 17.5 sacks. The Packers found his speed intriguing, inviting him for a pre-draft visit. Pearce’s quickness offers a dynamic the Packers’ pass rush currently lacks, potentially making him effective in subpackage formations as a rookie. If Gutekunst seeks a different style on the edge, Pearce is an ideal choice.

Round 2, Pick 54: Benjamin Morrison, Cornerback, Notre Dame
With three cornerbacks departing Green Bay this offseason and Jaire Alexander likely to follow, the Packers’ secondary requires reinforcements. Although Nate Hobbs joined through free agency, more additions are expected before the offseason concludes.

Benjamin Morrison, a resilient cornerback from Notre Dame, could address some of Green Bay’s defensive challenges. Morrison recorded six interceptions in 2022 and three in 2023. In 2024, he had no interceptions and four defended passes in six games before undergoing hip surgery. Morrison could compete to start on the boundary alongside Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, and Hobbs.

Round 3, Pick 87: Jalen Royals, Wide Receiver, Utah State
The Packers, despite recently acquiring Mecole Hardman, need a deep threat, and Jalen Royals’ 4.42-second 40-yard dash indicates he might fit the bill. Royals isn’t merely a speedster; he’s capable of making plays after the catch, averaging 6.8 yards after reception throughout his career.

Addressing their receiver needs, arguably their most pressing issue, the Packers could benefit from Royals’ immediate impact as a rookie, with the potential for future growth. With Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs nearing the end of their contracts, Royals offers insurance should Green Bay decide not to retain either player after the 2025 season.

Round 4, Pick 123: Tory Horton, Wide Receiver, Colorado State
Why settle for a single speedster when you can have two? Brian Gutekunst is no stranger to doubling up in the draft to meet both immediate and future needs. With all six of his top receivers set to become free agents within the next two years, Gutekunst might select two receivers to counter potential losses.

Colorado State’s Tory Horton showcased his speed with a 4.41-second 40-yard dash at the Combine in February. Horton also brings experience in the return game, scoring punt-return touchdowns in 2022, 2023, and 2024. The Packers could use this assistance, freeing Jayden Reed from return duties, thus preserving him for offensive roles where the team requires him most.