Green Bay Packers: 2020 Mock Draft Roundup & Big Takeaways 6.0

A number of new mock drafts have been released over the last week, so let’s take a look at who the draft analysts have the Green Bay Packers selecting this time.

As more draft analysts get further down the rabbit hole that is the NFL Draft, we are seeing more and more mock drafts being released. So quite happily, I am back with another edition of “Mock Draft Roundup and Big Takeaways.”

In the previous 5.0 edition, all five of the drafts we looked at had the Green Bay Packers selecting a wide receiver, however, this time around we see quite a bit more positional variety.

Of course, whoever the Packers select is going to be largely dependent on what needs are addressed in free agency. But with a number of different positions being taken in this mock draft roundup, we get to see how a few different scenarios would play out.

With that said, if you’re hoping the Green Bay Packers take a receiver in round one, don’t you worry, because we still see plenty of that.

So let’s not waste anymore time, and dive in!

Josh Edwards – CBS Sports

Austin Jackson OT – USC

"“Bryan Bulaga is a free agent this offseason so the Packers may reasonably need a replacement. Jackson is a really athletic tackle prospect with room to grow. He donated bone marrow to his younger sister in July to treat Diamond-Blackfan anemia so there had been a lot weighing on his mind and body in 2019.”"

Takeaway: I actually don’t mind this selection at all. Tackle is one of the most important positions in the game and with Bryan Bulaga currently a free agent, the Green Bay Packers don’t have a viable option to replace him on the roster.

If Bulaga ends up walking in free agency, for me, tackle becomes priority No. 1 this offseason. Even more so than wide receiver or inside linebacker. However, if they do bring Bulaga back, spending an early round draft pick on his eventual replacement and giving the rookie the opportunity to sit and learn for a season or two isn’t a bad idea either.

Jonah Tuls – The Draft Network

Brandon Aiyuk WR – Arizona State

"“If the Green Bay Packers are going to maximize the small window they have left with Aaron Rodgers, they need to surround him with better playmakers in the passing game. Outside of Davante Adams, there is not a threat at wide receiver or tight end. Adding a dynamic weapon like Brandon Aiyuk will open up this offense’s vertical attack as well as better looks for Adams.”"

Takeaway: This is the first draft that I’ve seen Brandon Aiyuk going in the first round. At least up to this point in the draft process, he has been labeled as a second rounder. With that said, Aiyuk was a YAC monster at Arizona State.

According to Pro Football Focus, Aiyuk finished his career with an average of 9.9 yards after the catch, which ranks as the most in this stacked wide receiver draft class. And that ability, is something that this Green Bay Packers’ offense desperately needs.

Matt Miller – Bleacher Report

Cole Kmet TE – Notre Dame

"“We hear so much about how the Packers need to add weapons for Aaron Rodgers, but most often that talk centers around the wide receiver position. That is definitely a need, but in a historically deep receiver class, it doesn’t have to be a Round 1 need.Tight end is another big need for Green Bay. Jimmy Graham is nearing the end of his run and isn’t as effective on the field as his name would suggest. The team needs its George Kittle or Travis Kelce.Cole Kmet might not reach that level of impact—they are the two best tight ends in football after all—but he’s built in that mold. He’s 6’5″, 260 pounds, he can block, he can run, and he can dominate up the seam. Kmet is every scout’s answer to the Kittle/Kelce style of play.”"

Takeaway: While I do agree with Matt that the Green Bay Packers could use another tight end on the roster, I’d prefer that it be a veteran who joins Jace Sternberger. Not to mention that selecting Cole Kmet in round-one while Laviska Shenault is still on the board just doesn’t make sense to me.

There are some talented tight ends in this draft and if Green Bay is set on selecting one of them, I’d rather have it be Hunter Bryant or Jared Pinkney in the second or third rounds.

Todd McShay – ESPN

Justin Jefferson WR – LSU

"Davante Adams is a weapon, and Aaron Jones proved himself as a threat in the receiving game, but they simply can’t continue to do it alone. The last time Aaron Rodgers had multiple 1,000-yard receivers was 2014, when the quarterback was 31 and alternated spraying passes to Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and then-rookie Adams.Now Rodgers is 36 and forced to make due with the likes of Allen Lazard and Marquez Valdes-Scantling opposite Adams. Get the man some help! I’ve been saying it for a year now!Jefferson tied for first in college football with 111 catches as Burrow’s main target at LSU, and he excels in adjusting his routes to find windows and generating late separation. Green Bay will have multiple receivers to choose from even if Jefferson is taken earlier, so there is really no excuse to pass on a glaring weakness yet again."

Takeaway: Justin Jefferson put up a monster final season at LSU with over 1,500 receiving yards at nearly 14 yards per catch with 18 touchdown receptions. And he did a majority of that damage from the slot, including catching all 18 of his touchdown passes.

Last season for the Green Bay Packers, Geronimo Allison was the team’s primary slot receiver and as we all saw, they could use an upgrade. Enter Jefferson who could give the Packers a true weapon from the slot much like the days when Randall Cobb was in Titletown.

Luke Easterling – The Draft Wire

Patrick Queen LB – LSU

"“This defense was much improved in 2019, but there’s still a huge need for a three-down difference-maker at the second level. Queen is athletic and physical, with all the physical and mental tools to make an immediate impact in Green Bay. After a stellar performance in the College Football Playoff, Queen was a surprise addition to this year’s list of underclassmen, and would be a strong pick here.”"

Takeaway: It’s no secret that the Green Bay Packers need to add more speed to the ILB position, so may I present to you, Patrick Queen. Queen is a proto-type for today’s NFL linebacker, he can do it all. He’s a sure tackler, can drop into coverage, and his sideline-to-sideline range is outstanding. If the Packers can land Queen, I will be quite happy.

Kyle Crabbs – The Draft Network

K.J. Hamler WR – Penn State

"“The Packers possess so many big receivers. Would a little bit of jitterbug quickness kill them? Hardly, which is why Hamler is the pick here. The Packers’ heavy investments in the defense last off-season paid off handsomely as the team turned things around in 2019 — now they need a few key chess pieces to put them over the top. Hamler’s dynamic slot receiving skills certainly qualify.”"

Takeaway: As Kyle pointed out, K.J. Hamler would give this Packers’ offense an element that they just didn’t have in 2019. Hamler is a playmaker and his ability to create after the catch is something that this offense is lacking outside of Davante Adams and Aaron Jones.

In fact, over his two seasons at Penn State, he averaged nearly 18 yards per catch and was also a very good return man as well. However, something to also keep in mind is Hamler’s size. At only 5’9″and 176 pounds, durability could be a concern at the NFL level.