Green Bay Packers: Post free agent frenzy draft simulations
By Paul Bretl
As the NFL offseason rolls on, mock drafts are always changing based on new acquisitions and the same holds true for the Green Bay Packers after their multiple free agent signings.
This is an incredibly important offseason for the Green Bay Packers if they hope to return to the playoffs and hopefully, the Super Bowl. But before that can happen this roster needs an overhaul at a number of positions and with the free agency period just beginning, they are off to a fantastic start.
Already the Green Bay Packers have filled some of their biggest needs by adding Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith at edge, Adrian Amos at safety and Billy Turner on the offensive line. Prior to these signings, many assumed the Packers would be selecting an edge rusher at 12 in the draft but they have now gained incredible flexibility as they do not have to feel as they must take a certain position.
With three picks inside the top 50 of the draft, the Green Bay Packers are in a great position to continue adding playmakers to this roster that can make a huge difference in the upcoming season.
As far as needs go and how Green Bay utilizes their draft picks, a lot has changed this week. Once again using The Draft Network’s mock draft machine, I ran five computer simulations for the first two rounds of the draft which has taken into account their recent signings to give us an idea of what the Packers first three picks of the draft could look like as of now.
Mock draft #1
No. 12: T.J. Hockenson, Tight End – Iowa
No. 30: Johnathan Abram, Safety – Mississippi St.
No. 44: Yodney Cajuste, Offensive Line – West Virginia
Mock draft #2
No. 12: T.J. Hockenson, Tight End – Iowa
No. 30: Dalton Risner, Offensive Line – Kansas State
No. 44: Johnathan Abram, Safety – Mississippi St.
Mock draft #3
No. 12: T.J. Hockenson, Tight End – Iowa
No. 30: A.J. Brown, Wide Receiver – Ole Miss
No. 44: Greg Little, Offensive Lineman – Ole Miss
Mock draft #4
No. 12: T.J. Hockenson, Tight End – Iowa
No. 30: Deionte Thompson, Safety – Alabama
No. 44: Yodney Cajuste, Offensive Line – West Virginia
Mock draft #5
No. 12: Jonah Williams, Offensive Line – Alabama
No. 30: T.J. Hockenson, Tight End – Iowa
No. 44: Chris Lindstrom, Offensive Line – Boston College
Takeaways from the mock drafts
- Tight end has always been a top need for the Green Bay Packers and after addressing the edge position in free agency, T.J. Hockenson from Iowa is the clear favorite for them at 12 in these simulations. Prior to this week, I was not on board with drafting a tight end this early, but given the signings made I am much more interested. With that said, if someone such as Ed Oliver or Devin White is available at 12, Green Bay should still take one of them.
- Even with the Adrian Amos signing, safety is still a position the Green Bay Packers could take early in the draft and for good reason. Outside of Amos, Green Bay has an aging Tramon Williams, an unproven Raven Greene, the inconsistent Josh Jones and potentially Ibraheim Campbell who is there for depth.
- Between John Abram and Deionte Thompson, I’d rather have Thompson be who the Packers select. Abram is more of a box safety who does struggle in coverage and may take a few years of development before being a full-time starter. While Thompson is an aggressive player who does well as a single high safety and can make more of an immediate impact.
- Drafting an offensive lineman in the first round is just about an absolute must for me. Last year the unit gave up 3.3 sacks per game and much of that came up the middle from the guard positions. It also wouldn’t be a bad idea to begin looking for Bryan Bulaga’s replacement at tackle. Whether it’s Jonah Williams at 12, Dalton Risner at 30 or even Chris Lindstrom at 44, I love all three of those picks.
- After drafting three receivers in the fourth round or later in last year’s draft, if the Green Bay Packers plan to take one this year, which I expect they will, it needs to be early. The one receiver taken in these simulations was A.J. Brown from Ole Miss, who isn’t overly athletic but had a productive college career. He would provide the Packers with a big slot target for Aaron Rodgers, but I think that is a role that Equanimeous St. Brown could take over and do quite well in. If Green Bay does take a receiver early, I’d be looking at someone who can stretch the field such as Marquise Brown from Oklahoma.
- My favorite draft is the fifth one. Being able to land a stud like Jonah Williams that can step in and start from day one on the offensive line is a win in my book. Then following it up with perhaps the best tight end in the draft is a no brainer, even though I’m unsure that Hockenson will be available at 30. Lastly, in my opinion, you can never add too many offensive linemen and snagging Chris Lindstrom at 44 who had a fantastic combine and is also a terrific run blocker is a great value pick.
Bringing back Marcedes Lewis was the right move. dark. Next
With still over a month to go before the draft, a lot can still change and the Green Bay Packers can continue adding to this roster in free agency. However, I do think that these mock draft simulations are on the right track with the first two rounds.