Packers-Vikings Trade Pitch Sends Playmaking Safety to Green Bay for Swap of Day 3 Picks

April 26, 2025

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers, holding eight picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, are poised for action. With three selections clustered in the fifth round, GM Brian Gutekunst could leverage them to trade up, especially on Day 3, to bolster depth after drafting Matthew Golden.

It’s unlikely Gutekunst keeps all three fifth-rounders—Nos. 159, 169, and 174. Instead, he may package picks to climb the board. A new mock draft from Pro Football Network’s Anthony DiBona proposes a deal with the Minnesota Vikings to land a dynamic safety.

DiBona predicts Green Bay will send fifth-round picks Nos. 159 and 169 to Minnesota for a fourth-round pick, No. 119, to draft Penn State’s Jaylen Reed. The playmaking safety could pair with Xavier McKinney, fortifying Jeff Hafley’s secondary.

“While Javon Bullard shows promise, he’s unproven as a starter,” DiBona wrote. “Jaylen Reed’s versatility makes him an instant contender to start alongside McKinney in 2025. Reed visited Green Bay pre-draft, signaling strong interest.”

Reed, a 2024 standout, notched 2.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 3 pass deflections at Penn State. His 88.6 PFF run-defense grade and pass-rush prowess fit Hafley’s scheme, though his 108.8 coverage passer rating needs work (PFF).

The Packers’ secondary, ranked ninth in passing yards allowed, leaned heavily on McKinney’s 7 picks in 2024. Reed, a box safety, could spell Bullard or play dime packages, adding depth with Jaire Alexander’s trade talks lingering (ESPN).

Minnesota, with six draft picks, is a prime trade-back candidate, especially after signing Aaron Jones. If the Vikings target a quarterback or receiver early, swapping a fourth-rounder for two fifths boosts their Day 3 haul (NFL.com).

Fresh off Golden’s 987-yard college season, Green Bay aims to balance offense and defense. Reed’s grit could steady a unit that allowed 4.4 yards per carry. Will Gutekunst’s Day 3 gamble make the Packers Super Bowl contenders in 2025?