Green Bay Packers: Mock Draft Roundup & Big Takeaways 8.0

The Mock Draft Roundup and Big Takeaways is back with version 8.0. Let’s see who the draft analysts have the Green Bay Packers taking this time.

We are back with another edition of the “Mock Draft Roundup & Big Takeaways” as we have a handful of new mock drafts from this past week to take a look at.

So far the general consensus is that the Green Bay Packers will either select a wide receiver or a linebacker in the first round and both would make a lot of sense.

We all know that the Packers have a huge hole to fill in the middle of their defense with Blake Martinez on his way out and to put it simply, the offense just needs more playmakers.

However, finding Kenny Clark some help on the interior defensive line should also be on the to-do list, along with added depth at tight end and cornerback. Now, whether or not those positions should be addressed with the 30th overall pick can be argued. But nonetheless, they are still needs that should be taken care of at some point.

While in the 7.0 edition we saw the Packers drafting just about every possible receiver, this version provides a few names that we haven’t really seen before. As always, after each pick the draft analysts will give their reasoning for the selection and I’ll also provide my big takeaways.

Jason McIntyre – Fox Sports

Brandon Aiyuk WR – Arizona State

"“The Packers haven’t drafted an offensive skill position player in the first two rounds since 2014. That player was Davante Adams. Time to get him some help on the outside. The predictable Packers were down 27-0 at halftime in the NFC Championship game because Aaron Rodgers needs weapons.”"

Takeaway: As I alluded to above, this Green Bay Packers’ offense needs some serious juice added to the passing game and the addition of Brandon Aiyuk would do just that. Aiyuk totaled almost 1,200 receiving yards in 2019 at a ridiculous 18.3 yards per catch and he knows how to make plays with the ball in his hands.

According to Pro Football Focus, Aiyuk averaged 9.9 yards after the catch during his career, which is the highest average among this year’s draft class. This is an element that this Packers’ offense just didn’t have in 2019 and it would be a welcomed sight in Green Bay.

Kevin Hanson – Sports Illustrated

Zack Baun LB – Wisconsin

"“Perhaps the Packers will take advantage of the depth at wide receiver to find an upgrade opposite Davante Adams, but linebacker Blake Martinez is set to become a free agent as well. While he was one of college football’s most productive edge rushers, Baun is expected to transition to an off-ball role at the next level. With sideline-to-sideline range to go along with his ability as a blitzer, Baun is fluid when dropping into coverage.”"

Takeaway: We’ve seen plenty of mock drafts that have the Green Bay Packers selecting a linebacker at pick No. 30, but very rarely have we seen it be Zack Baun. After a fantastic senior season that led to him being named to the All-American team, Baun has been flying up draft boards in recent months. And a big reason is because of his versatility.

During his time at Wisconsin, he had shown that he can rush the quarterback but he was also asked to drop into coverage where he was quite reliable as well. At the NFL level, he will be an off-ball linebacker and with his range along with his ability as a blitzer, many analysts are projecting him as a late first-round pick.

Trevor Sikkema – The Draft Network

Denzel Mims WR – Baylor

"“The Green Bay Packers need trench help, but with five offensive tackles and even the top interior offensive lineman off the board, they’ll likely look for a receiver. We’ve seen Shenault, Higgins and K.J. Hamler slotted here, but how about the player who put on one of the best combine performances of any position?Denzel Mims’ week reminded me a lot of Chris Godwin’s. Godwin was already seen as a good prospect coming into the combine, but he put up athletic numbers that raised his ceiling even higher than even his biggest fans originally thought. That’s what happened with Mims. His 4.38-second 40-yard dash, 10-foot 11-inch broad jump and 6.66-second 3-cone drill were all above the 90th percentile for his position.”"

Takeaway: If you’re unfamiliar with Denzel Mims, I’d suggest looking into him because I’m sure this won’t be the last time you see him mocked to the Green Bay Packers. Mims has been flying up draft boards the last five weeks or so after an excellent performance at the Senior Bowl and then he just recently put on a show at the NFL Combine.

At 6’3″ – 206 pounds, Mims posted a 4.38 – 40 yard dash and ran 6.66 in the 3-cone drill. Clearly he’s an athlete, but he plays physical, he’s also a very reliable pass-catcher, and he would provide Aaron Rodgers with a deep threat downfield.

Kristopher Knox – Bleacher Report

Kenneth Murray LB – Oklahoma

Takeaway: It’s hard to argue against this selection. As I’ve already mentioned, the Green Bay Packers have a huge hole to fill in the middle of their defense and they are in need of some speed and playmaking ability. So may I present to you, Kenneth Murray.

Murray tested quite well at the Combine, which doesn’t really come as a shock, but of course, it was nice to see. Meanwhile, on the tape, he’s displayed great range and that he can handle running backs and tight ends in coverage. On top of that, he’s been an effective blitzer as well with 8.5 sacks and 29.5 tackles for loss the last two seasons.

Josh Edwards – CBS Sports

Justin Jefferson WR – LSU

"“Jefferson is special in the way that he attacks the ball downfield. He has great body control and would provide Aaron Rodgers with another explosive outlet. Green Bay has not invested in the wide receiver position over the years so it could be foolish to expect them to buck the trend now. Times are changing in the north, however.”"

Takeaway: With Geronimo Allison’s struggles in 2019 the Green Bay Packers were lacking some serious production from the slot. But adding Justin Jefferson would likely make that issue a thing of the past.

During this past season at LSU, Jefferson would total over 1,500 receiving yards with 18 touchdowns. Overall, he was just incredibly reliable and a majority of his production came from in the slot. From Day 1 he would be an immediate impact player in this passing game.

Bucky Brooks – NFL.com

Jacob Eason QB – Washington

"“With Aaron Rodgers entering the twilight of his career, the Packers could snag their quarterback of the future and let him spend a few years as an apprentice before taking over the franchise.”"

Takeaway: Well here is something different, a quarterback at pick No. 30. And while GM Brian Gutekunst did say that the Packers won’t shy away from drafting one if they love the prospect, for me anyways, Jacob Eason just isn’t it.

Sure he has a big arm but his career completion percentage is below 60 percent and in his two full seasons at Georgia and Washington, he had 16 total interceptions.

While some may reference that the Packers drafted Aaron Rodgers while Brett Favre was still in Green Bay, I want to point out that there is a major difference between taking what many thought to be the No. 1 pick and drafting a borderline first-round player. I mean if Joe Burrow or Tua Tagovailoa drop, then we can talk. But for now, invest in a player that can help you win in 2020.

Stats courtesy of College Football Reference.