Recent Mock Draft has Packers Trading Up to Grab Gifted LB

In a recent mock draft, the Green Bay Packers trade up to the 11th overall pick to land super-linebacker, Isaiah Simmons, from Clemson.

In his short tenure as GM of the Green Bay Packers, we’ve seen GM Brian Gutekunst make some aggressive moves in the draft. In 2018 he would trade back in round one before trading back up to snag Jaire Alexander. And just last year he moved up to the 21st overall pick to land Darnell Savage.

Well, this most recent mock draft from Carter Donnick of The Draft Network has the Green Bay Packers making a huge move up the draft board to the 11th overall pick to select super-linebacker, Isaiah Simmons from Clemson.

Here is what Donnick had to say about the move:

"“Trade alert: The New York Jets trade the 11th-overall pick to Green Bay Packers for Nos. 30th and 62nd as well as a 2021 first-round selection.Are you ready to get wacky? After getting pummeled by the San Francisco 49ers’ run game in the NFC Championship Game, it’s clear that the Packers desperately need a quality linebacker. Although Isaiah Simmons doesn’t fit the “prototypical” mold, he would more than fill that role and serve as a versatile chess piece capable of single-handily changing games.Green Bay is ready to win now and this gamble reflects that. The value for Simmons at No. 11 is absolutely tremendous; and even if the trade price is steep, an aggressive move like this makes a ton of sense. After his combine many might be skeptical that the former Clemson defender even falls this far, but we’ve seen examples of unique defenders — particularly safeties and linebackers — get passed over before. Remember Derwin James?”"

As Donnick points out, the Green Bay Packers need some serious help at the inside linebacker position. While Blake Martinz had his limitations, he was still the quarterback of this defense, rarely missed a snap, and he was around most plays. His absence still leaves a huge hole to fill. Especially with Ty Summers, Oren Burks, and Curtis Bolton as the only options on the roster at the moment.

Enter Isaiah Simmons who truly did it all at Clemson. According to Pro Football Focus, he spent 132 snaps as the free safety, 13 as a cornerback, 262 in the slot, another 116 snaps on the defensive line, and 299 in the box. His athletic ability and versatility are simply incredible and for defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, Simmons would be a dream come true.

As expected he put on a show at the NFL Combine and he scored a perfect 10 out of 10 on the Relative Athletic Scoring table, which is a rare feat. The Packers need a playmaker in the middle of their defense and whether it’s against the run, in coverage, or putting pressure on the quarterback, Simmons would provide just that in all three phases.

Below you will find the full scouting report of Simmons from Lance Zierlein of NFL.com:

"“Ascending hybrid talent with rare length, speed and versatility to create mismatches for the offense, depending upon alignment. He has a bachelor’s at three positions (slot corner, safety, linebacker) but could earn a master’s degree in complex workload with a more focused and defined job description than “jack-of-all-trades.”He can handle zone or man coverage from a variety of spots on the field, which gives defensive coordinators a chance to disguise blitz packages and exotic post-snap looks. He’ll miss run fits and can be misdirected due to a lack of instincts near the line, but his playmaking range outweighs those concerns for now. His unique potential to spy and shrink the field against dual-threat quarterbacks could push him way up the draft board.”"

However, to move up to the 11th overall pick and grab a player of Simmons’ caliber, it certainly won’t be cheap as Donnick predicts that it would take Green Bay’s 30th and 62nd overall picks in this year’s draft, along with their first-rounder in 2021.

Definitely a hefty price to pay, although I can’t imagine this move is very likely, but it’s one that could be worth it for a game-changer like Simmons. On the flip side, with needs to address at tackle and wide receiver, losing those draft picks would really limit what Green Bay can do at those other positions of need. So, in the end, would it really be worth it?

How would this move make you feel, Packers’ fans?