Brian Gutekunst and the Green Bay Packers have never been shy when it comes to making moves during the NFL Draft. Could that same philosophy be in play during the 2025 draft?
Heading into the first round on Thursday night, the Packers have quite a few needs to address still. They need a pass rusher, a wide receiver, and potentially another cornerback. While they could target those needs with their picks directly, they could also consider trading for an already proven player.
Green Bay is in a great position. They have solid draft capital, but they also have a talented enough roster that they don't have to force certain moves.
A new suggestion would see the Packers pulling off a trade during the draft for a $21 million star pass rusher.
Thomas Valentine of Pro Football Focus has suggested a massive trade with the Cincinnati Bengals that would land Trey Hendrickson in Green Bay.
In his trade proposal, Hendrickson and the No. No. 153 overall pick would be heading to the Packers in exchange for the No. 54 overall pick in the second round. Following the move, Green Bay would also need to sign Hendrickson to a long-term extension.
"Hendrickson earned an excellent 88.1 PFF overall grade in 2024 — a career high — and led the NFL in sacks. His 83 pressures tied for the most in the NFL with Myles Garrett. If the Bengals are serious about trading Hendrickson, the Packers might be the team to take the plunge, sending the No. 54 pick for the talented edge defender and the No. 153 pick. He would instantly upgrade Green Bay's pass-rushing room."
Trading away a second-round pick for a pass rusher who has recorded 17.5 sacks in each of the last two years would be a no-brainer for the Packers. Hendrickson could be the missing piece that powers them to top-tier Super Bowl contention.
Obviously, this is just an idea at this point in time. Hendrickson has been suggested as a trade target for Green Bay on multiple occasions this offseason. If this option became a real scenario, the Packers should pursue it aggressively.
