From the Green Bay Packers’ continued dominance over the Chicago Bears to the Detroit Lions’ stunning victory and record-setting performances across the league, Week 11 of the NFL season was filled with unforgettable moments. This recap dives into the best stats and most significant happenings.
NFL legend Brett Favre will join former President Donald Trump at a rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on October 30th, further adding star power to the Republican candidate’s 2024 presidential campaign. The event, taking place at the Resch Center, will see Favre, a beloved Green Bay Packers quarterback, lending his support to Trump’s bid for the White House. The rally will also include remarks from Vice President pick, JD Vance, who will be in Racine on Monday, October 28th.
The NFL is making history in 2024 by hosting its first-ever regular season game in South America. The Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles will face off in a Week 1 matchup on Friday night in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This game also marks the first time in 50 years that an NFL regular season game will be played on a Friday night in Week 1. Find out how to watch this historic clash and get a preview of both teams’ expectations for the upcoming season.
In a surprising move, the New Orleans Saints have traded up to acquire highly-rated cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry from Alabama in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Saints traded with the Green Bay Packers to move up to the 41st overall pick, where they selected McKinstry, who is considered one of the top cornerbacks in the draft. The move indicates that the Saints view McKinstry as a potential starter as a rookie.
The Atlanta Falcons have signed Kirk Cousins as their franchise quarterback but also drafted Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, raising questions about their succession plan. While the Packers’ success with Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love serves as an example, the Falcons’ situation is different. Rodgers and Love were both late first-round picks, while Penix Jr. was selected eighth overall just months after Cousins received a four-year, $180 million contract. This allocation of resources seems excessive, especially considering Penix Jr. will be 28 when Cousins’ contract expires.
As the NFL Draft approaches, speculation and mock drafts are in full swing regarding the Green Bay Packers’ potential picks. Defensive back Cooper DeJean and offensive linemen have emerged as the most frequent options for the Packers in round one, according to various respected draft analysts. DeJean’s versatility and skill set as a nickel back, outside corner, and potential safety make him an attractive pick. On the offensive line, analysts have suggested tackles Amarius Mims, Kingsley Suamataia, and Tyler Guyton as potential targets to address the Packers’ need for a long-term solution at left tackle.
The Green Bay Packers have a long tradition of planning for the future at quarterback, as evidenced by the seamless transition from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers. While Jordan Love, Rodgers’ heir apparent, shows great promise at 25, the Packers should consider drafting a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft for several reasons. Additional talent at the quarterback position fosters competition and ensures a suitable backup in case of injuries. Furthermore, developing a young quarterback can create trade assets in the future, as seen with previous Packers backups such as Matt Hasselbeck, Mark Brunell, and Matt Flynn. General manager Brian Gutekunst should utilize one of Green Bay’s 11 draft picks, preferably late, to secure a rookie quarterback. Potential options include Sam Hartman from Notre Dame and Jordan Travis from Florida State.
Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt believes the Green Packers will select Duke Blue Devils offensive lineman Graham Barton in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Barton has been praised for his athleticism, technique, and toughness, and is considered a potential Pro Bowl player. He has been compared to former Packers Pro Bowl offensive lineman David Bakhtiari, whom Barton has cited as an influence on his game.
The Green Bay Packers are likely to select a cornerback in the first round of the NFL Draft due to their need for depth in the position, the availability of quality cornerbacks in the draft, and GM Brian Gutekunst’s history of drafting defensive backs in the first round. The Packers have struggled defensively in recent years, and new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley prefers press-man coverage, which requires strong cornerbacks. Gutekunst values athleticism, and several top corner prospects in this draft, such as Nate Wiggins and Cooper DeJean, have exceptional athletic profiles. While the Packers have been linked to offensive tackles, they may prioritize addressing their cornerback need in the first round.
The Green Bay Packers’ draft strategies are under scrutiny as the event approaches. Questions abound regarding the team’s intentions for offensive line, secondary, linebacker, wide receiver, and defensive line acquisitions. With the draft serving as the lifeblood of the organization, the Packers must carefully consider their plans and assess the talent available to address their roster needs.
