Green Bay Packers: 2020 Mock Draft Roundup & Big Takeaways 7.0

Mock drafts are being made at a rapid pace these days, so let’s take a look at a few recent ones and see who the draft analysts have the Green Bay Packers selecting.

It is full-blown mock draft season right now as mock drafts from draft analysts are being released left and right. Now with the combine coming up next week, there will be new information available and without a doubt, some players will help their draft stock, while others will hurt it.

So I thought this was a great time for another edition of “Mock Draft Roundup & Big Takeaways.” One last look at some of the most recent mock drafts before the combine takes place.

In the previous 6.0 version, we saw a little bit of positional variety for the Green Bay Packers and their 30th overall selection. However, wide receiver remained as the prominent position taken. And I have a feeling it’s going to stay that way for the remainder of mock draft season. It’s no secret that it’s a huge need, but the question is, who?

So with that said, let’s take a look at some recent mock drafts, the reasoning behind each pick from the draft analyst, and as always, I’ll provide my big takeaways for each selection.

Pete Prisco – CBS Sports

Brandon Aiyuk WR – Arizona State

"“The inability of Marquez Valdes-Scantling to step up as a viable option opposite Davante Adams really impacted the offense. Aiyuk plays fast and tough and will be a big help to the offense.”"

Takeaway: Well, the Green Bay Packers need some playmaking ability in this offense and Brandon Aiyuk is surely going to give you that. Aiyuk is coming off a season where he totaled nearly 1,200 receiving yards at a whopping 18.3 yards per catch with eight touchdown receptions.

He’s a big play waiting to happen and to put it simply, he is a YAC monster. According to Pro Football Focus, Aiyuk averaged 9.9 yards after the catch during his career. The highest among this year’s loaded wide receiver draft class. Last season the Packers certainly didn’t have a player like this in the passing game.

Mel Kiper – ESPN

Justin Jefferson WR – LSU

"“Aaron Rodgers isn’t getting any younger; it’s time for the Packers to use a first-round pick on a receiver. Davante Adams was the only Green Bay pass-catcher to have more than 53 targets last season, and he had 127. This team needs a competent No. 2 wideout.Jefferson broke out in a big way last season, catching 111 passes for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns. You might remember him from his four-touchdown performance against Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff semifinal. He led the FBS in total catches and first-down receptions (66). If Green Bay cuts Jimmy Graham, it would become a candidate to take the first tight end off the board in this class.”"

Takeaway: The addition of Justin Jefferson would give the Green Bay Packers’ offense a true slot weapon, something that they haven’t consistently had since the days of prime Randall Cobb. As Kiper points out, Jefferson had a huge 2019 season and most of that damage was done from the slot.

According to Pro Football Focus, he leads the draft class with 109 slot receptions, all 18 of his touchdowns from 2019 came from there. On top of that, he was also an uber-reliable target catching 83.6 percent of his passes and had 72 first down receptions. The combination of Jefferson and Aaron Rodgers in the red zone could be quite a formidable one.

Ethan Cadeaux – NBC Sports

Laviska Shenault WR – Colorado

"“The Packers really need another WR to go with Davante Adams and help ease pressure off of Aaron Rodgers as he enters the twilight of his career.Enter Laviska Shenault, who can do it all and can be given the rock in a variety of ways including out of the backfield. He had somewhat of a down year but is an absolute monster with the ball in his hands.I think his stock will rise because I think he’ll have a strong combine showing and his versatility will intrigue teams.”"

Takeaway: If the Green Bay Packers are able to land Laviska Shenault, I think that is one of the more exciting draft pick scenarios. Shenault is truly a jack of all trades as he did a little bit of everything and was lineup all over the field at Colorado.

After a 1,000 yard, six-touchdown season in 2018, Sheanault did see his numbers drop this past year. However, a big reason for that was the quarterback play and he still did manage to average nearly 14 yards per catch. With his ability to lineup anywhere and make plays happen, I would love to see Shenault in Matt LaFleur’s offense.

Luke Easterling – The Draft Wire

Jalen Reagor WR – TCU

"“Linebacker is a huge need, but don’t be surprised if the Packers prioritize getting more help for Aaron Rodgers. Davante Adams is a well-rounded No. 1 target, but the Pack could use a speedy playmaker who can stretch defenses at every level of the field. Reagor is a polished route runner with the kind of explosiveness Rodgers would take full advantage of, and his presence would keep teams from keying on Adams.”"

Takeaway: Well, in these mock drafts we are certainly hitting a number of the big receivers that could be available to Green Bay. Enter Jalen Reagor who can best be summed up by the word, “dynamic.” Just put the ball in his hands and let him go to work.

Much like Shenault, Reagor’s numbers were down in 2019 but once again that was due in large part to poor quarterback play. In the Packer offense, Reagor would give them a true deep threat, much like the player that they had hoped Marquez Valdes-Scantling was going to turn into. But that isn’t all he can do, LaFleur just has to find ways to get him the ball in space and he will make plays happen.

Ben Solak – The Draft Network

Austin Jackson OT – USC

"“Tough crack for Green Bay with the Cincinnati trade-up, but without another LB worthy of this selection — they could reach for Kenneth Murray, but I don’t love that value — they elect to prepare for life without Bryan Bulaga and David Bakhtiari.The Packers’ depth chart at tackle is threadbare in 2020 and nonexistent afterward, so early attention at the position is needed. Austin Jackson projects as a near-first round player in large part due to his athletic ability and high-ceiling performances in flashes. But he needs at least a year with an NFL squad to settle into consistent play. I don’t love Jackson as a prospect, but this is the correct approach at a benchmark position.”"

Takeaway: Ah, a little variety with the offensive tackle selection. I certainly don’t mind the Green Bay Packers taking a tackle in the first round, it’s a premier position in this league. However, if Jackson is the selection and has to start Week 1, well I’m not sure he’s ready for that. But if Bryan Bulaga is back and Jackson can sit and learn behind him for a year or two before taking over, then this makes quite a bit of sense.

Jackson possesses the size and athleticism that teams covet when looking for NFL caliber tackles. At this point though, he still needs refinement, and that is where the benefit of being a backup to start his career could be invaluable.