Green Bay Packers: 2020 Mock Draft Roundup & Big Takeaways

2020 mock drafts are coming out left and right, and here is who the experts have the Green Bay Packers selecting in Round 1, along with the big takeaways.

The Green Bay Packers capped off a fantastic season with a come from behind victory in Detroit that secured a first-round bye for the NFC playoffs. After missing the playoffs two straight seasons, going 13-3 and being the NFC’s No. 2 seed is a sweet feeling, and a big reason for their turnaround is because of the offseason moves GM Brian Gutekunst made last spring.

While we hopefully see a Super Bowl run from the Packers, it’s never too early to begin looking ahead to the upcoming NFL draft in April. Some of their major needs that Green Bay will have to address this offseason include linebacker, a wide receiver – or two – and an offensive tackle to develop.

For a few months now, 2020 mock drafts have been coming out left and right, and once again I’ve rounded up the most recent ones to see who the experts have the Green Bay Packers selecting in the first-round, as well as provide my big takeaways.

Chris Trappasso – CBS Sports

Pick 28: Kenneth Murray LB – Oklahoma

"“Murray is the second-rangiest linebacker in this class after Simmons, and with Blake Martinez bound to hit free agency, the Packers add a playmaker at the second level of their defense.”"

Big Takeaway: While Blake Martinez has certainly been productive with the Green Bay Packers, he also comes with his limitations and my guess is that his price on the open market will be too rich for the Packers. With that said, If Kenneth Murray ends up in Green Bay, to put it simply, I will be thrilled.

Murray is a fantastic athlete with great range and will make plays in the backfield, as evidenced by his 9 sacks and 30 tackles for loss the last two seasons. My only concern at this point, is that now with Dylan Moses choosing to stay at Alabama, Murray has become the second best linebacker in the draft and I wonder if he will be around by the time Green Bay is on the clock.

Luke Easterling – The Draft Wire

Pick 28: Kenneth Murray LB – Oklahoma

"“This defense desperately needs a difference-maker at linebacker who can make plays all over the field. Murray has been a one-man wrecking crew for the Sooners since the moment he arrived in Norman, and would no doubt continue his dominance at the next level.”"

Big Takeaway: As you can see a theme is developing here and while Green Bay also needs some serious help at wide receiver, this is a very deep class that will allow them to still find some exceptional talent in rounds two and three. However, at linebacker that isn’t the case and if the Packers have the opportunity to land Murray, they should do it.

Matt Miller – Bleacher Report

Pick 28 Kenneth Murray LB – Oklahoma

"“The Packers will be torn between giving Aaron Rodgers more talent at wide receiver or tight end and drafting to round out a defense that was much better in 2019 but still has holes.The way the board falls in this mock draft answers that question for them as there isn’t a receiver or tight end worthy of a selection at this spot. That allows the Packers to draft a true three-down linebacker and one of college football’s most productive players over the last two seasons in Oklahoma’s Kenneth Murray.Murray was a one-man wrecking crew for the Sooners and has shown the speed and instincts to line up at middle linebacker in any defensive alignment. His ability to play against the pass as well as he plays the run will make him a highly coveted prospect in Round 1.”"

Big Takeaway: See, what did I tell you? So since I’ve already covered Murray, enjoy this highlight of his from the start of the season.

Ethan Cadeaux – NBC Sports

Pick 28: DeVonta Smith WR – Alabama

"“The Packers really need another WR to go with Davante Adams and help ease the pressure off of Aaron Rodgers as he enters the twilight of his career. So with saying that enter DeVonta Smith, who scored 13 TDs this year.Smith has game-breaking ability and can be used in a multitude of ways. He led Bama in receiving yards this year with 1,200 which is super impressive considering he was teammates with other 1st round prospects Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III.”"

Big Takeaway: Alabama has a plethora of receivers with makes DeVonta Smith’s 2019 numbers all that more impressive. In his breakout season he was a big play just waiting to happen as he totaled 1,256 yards at a whopping 18.5 yards per catch, with 14 touchdowns. This also includes two games of at least 200 receiving yards and most notably, Smith totaled 274 against Mississippi.

Kyle Crabbs – The Draft Network

Pick 28: Jalen Reagor WR – TCU

"“The Green Bay Packers have plenty of size at wide receiver and offer some notable speed as well. But what about short-area quickness and run after catch skills? Jalen Reagor offers a different dynamic to the Packers’ offense and will help further stress opposing defenses in trying to contain Matt LeFleur’s passing attack in the NFC North.”"

Big takeaway: Jalen Reagor had over 1,000 receiving yards in 2018 and although his production would dip this season, don’t be mistaken as he is still one of the more dynamic receivers in this draft. As Crabbs points out, Reagor would give this Green Bay Packers offense a new element, as he is a player who can rack up yards after the catch and also test defenses vertically. Which is what Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s job was supposed to be, but clearly that hasn’t worked out.

Trevor Sikkema – The Draft Network

Pick 28: K.J. Hamler WR – Penn State

"“I know this pick is usually wide receiver Laviska Shenault, but K.J. Hamler with Aaron Rodgers is too good to pass up.Hamler is just 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds and has never recorded more than 1,000 yards in a single season at Penn State. But turn on the tape and you will see this kid has more juice than most NFL players you watch each week. The burst and top speed from Hamler are rare. Put him in the slot with Rodgers and magic will happen.”"

Big takeaway: A certified playmaker with the ball in his hands and like Jalen Reagor, he would give Green Bay something offensively that they just don’t have at the moment. In his two-year career, K.J. Hamler has totaled nearly 1,700 receiving yards at almost 17 yards per catch, with 13 touchdowns. With the Packers he would give Matt LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers a dynamic option out of the slot and it is also worth noting that he was very good return man for Penn State as well.